+1 That Univega is pre 79 at least judging by the head badge. First I would get some new brake pads, preferably Cool Stop salmon. Next step would be upgrade the rims to anything aluminum. If you live close to a city of relatively large size you may have a coop where wheels could be sourced. Steel rims provide poor braking under normal circumstances and are only worse when wet. If you are still unhappy with your brakes the last thing I would consider is changing the levers so aero levers, any aero lever is going to give you some improvement over the older non aero (another plus is that you will loose the turkey wings).