Well, since it was a wobbler and not high quality, I decided to by-pass the whole issue. I have a Shimano 7-speed wheel hub with free-hub now (eBay) and rim coming. I'll get them laced up and convert to free hub and cassette.

I was my mom's bike (she's passed) and now my wife's. Can't really let it go as it would be a "family incident", so onto the upgrade path we go ... We'll see how far we get