"I'll just keep the original if that's the case."
Paul, one option you have is using asbestos brake linings. Asbestos friction is vastly more effective than the so called "organic" friction sold by auto parts stores. I put asbestos pads and shoes on my roadster and it was like adding a power booster compared to "organic" friction. That thing stops now!
It's not an auto parts store item but is available NOS on ebay and some brake suppliers still have access to a very limited supply of asbestos to reline your shoes with. Arc grinding to match your drums' diameters is the final touch to getting really effective drum brakes.
