Jim , if you ate up berrings prob cuz rear wheel was not tightened right.
It can be a bear to get brake arm nut torqued down without a cheater bar
Replacing old ones is only a few dollar fix , changing out for different setup will cost you a bit.
I think (long term) you'll be better off fixing rear and getting front drum brake.
They cost between 60-90 $ depending on supplier. You have to build the wheel around the hub, i can help you out with that (or have bike shop do it).
It changes the level of safety in braking by ten fold , and alows you to put both feet down at stop . And run full front fender

Can you post a pic of what got torn up ? I have ton's of old parts , i be glad to send you something . Genneraly don't reuse berrings as there pretty cheap
Lett me know how it goes.