So far it's unanimous: keep the original rack. When I was at Lowe's today I picked up super fine steel wool, so I ought to be in good shape. The possibility of drilling new holes did concern me since the fenders are in nearly new condition. The bike is NOT original by any means, but the parts that are in good condition I'd like to keep intact to the extent possible. Actually, now I come to thing of it, the fenders are the best part of this bike!