Hey everyone... first post alert!

I am overhauling an '84 Trek 510 that my uncle gave me.. I have put many miles on it since, and it's overdue for some love.

My front derailleur needs to be replaced, but I am thinking of dropping it to one chain ring on the front, and upgrading the rear cog set instead. Any thoughts on this? I'll mostly be using it for bombing around, and winter commuting... Keep in mind, I live in Seattle... lots of hills - but not too many on my route to work

Thanks!