I did some more searching both on this site and the internet using Yahoo and found this link.
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-222522.html
This link deals with the Dia-Compe cantilever brakes that are on my bike. Unfortunately changing the pads does not seem to be as easy as I had hoped.
Mfg's have changed the standards (if there was any.) since then and it does not look like Kool Stops are available.
I was hoping that I might be able to change the brakes away from the Dia-Compe 981's, but these early cantilever systems have different off-set mountings.
The link did give me a couple of options though, that I'm looking into.
As far as altering the character of the bike, ya I would like it to stop. My son is 19 and 200 lbs; when I purchased the bike I was 26 and 175 lbs. I grew up with rear coasters only and believe me disks front and back are the best I have ever had; but now I have regressed.
Anyone have any more ideas, other than the link above?
Thank you all who have looked and/or messaged back
DACriss