Thinking back to my days on steel rims I would agree that there are no blocks that work really well on chrome in the wet, but some work better (or less badly!) than others.
From memory, blocks with softer 'grippier' rubber and several segments on the surface of the block with grooves or channels in between to get rid of water tended to work best for me.
These might do the trick:-
http://www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk/public/index.php/product/brakepads/clarks/clarkroadbrakes/BST300BK.htmlHave you tried your local bike shop? If there is one near you that does repairs, chances are that they will have brake blocks suitable for all types of bike.
I am not sure from your message if you have one aluminium wheel and one steel, but if so, you may be able to find a cheap second hand front wheel on its own on ebay to match the rear so you can use alloy front and back and get better braking and more choice of brake blocks. However, you need to be aware that there are two basic road bike wheel sizes; older wheels tend to be 27" diameter and more modern ones a metric 700c size. A bike from 89 could be either. You should find markings on the rim and tyre which will tell you which you have. The 700c tyres would actually be marked 700 x 23 (23-622) or similar. The different wheel sizes are not interchangeable because with the different rim diameters the brakes will most probably not line up with the rim properly, so you need to be sure to get the right size for your frame/forks.
There are also often cheap 6 speed freewheels on ebay so you may be able to find one with a wider range of gears for not very much to make getting up the hills easier; however, you would need to beg or borrow a special tool to use to remove the old freewheel.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your cycling - you don't need the latest and greatest machine to do this
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