The patient is a low end bike boom road bike that I've had since the early 70s. The stock fork is bent and I don't trust trying to bend it back. It would be different if it was a quality metal and fabrication, but its not.

I picked up a new fork a while back and just noticed now that it doesn't have the key slot. I know I can just file off the key on the washer, but there is also the hanger for the front center-pull brake. If I file that key off too, is there a chance that constant brake usage will cause the hanger to start sliding out of alignment? Do I need the slot to ensure the hanger always remains perfectly positioned and centered in front?

I realize I can just swap the brake for a side-pull. My first choice is to keep the bike as close to original as possible.

Thanks!