Hmm.. I really am a bit unsure of it because of the front break issue now. I can see where it'd be necessary if the coaster failed.. but then again, as a kid I had coaster brakes that did not have a front caliper and I made it out alive. I seem to remember my friends having front calipers on theirs though (heheh; it made them seem more grown-up in the mid-late 1980s to not have coasters; like the big kids with their 10-speeds!) so maybe I grew up on a cusp where front breaks were being added?

I don't know about spending to add a front brake though. If it really is going to be an issue, I will just keep this bike as-is for nostalgic purposes with occasional short rides on nonbusy roads, and get a newbie bike that's outta-the-box. I'll feel safer although I much, much prefer the curvy lines and stance of this old one.