I'm beginning to like to notion of my brakepads being so loud that others can hear me from 50 feet away. I feel like it helps me be seen in traffic.


However, I dislike the notion that I am probably not getting the most/most efficient stopping power out of the ol' Mafac Racers that I can be. Granted, they stop quite well.
Sooooo, I have began the hunt for replacement pads for these badboys:


Notice the peg-in-slot setup.

I am curious as to whether or not just the pad compound can be replaced.
A few questions:

Will I have to replace the pad retainer (not quite sure of the name) as well?
Or is it possible to just replace the pad with these:

If it is possible to do so, what is the process for removal and replacement? Just pry open the retainer and then clamp it shut onto the new pads?
Has anyone done this?



Last question, is there any truth to the whole "salmon color pads stop better than black pads" idea?
I read about this on Sheldon Brown's site, and am very inclined to believe his writings based on how much invaluable knowledge I have gained from his articles.

Thanks for the help!