So I took the plunge and gently pried open the metallic braid holders, inserting new braid and recrimping....
The soft copper braids lay completely flat with the guide deep in the slot :music-rockout:
Started work In on how the body and its clamshell to enable some body float while truing all 4 rims, then gluing a truing originals back on front and then coating with clear nail polish and retruing. Then did the rears with Paul Gage XPGTs (20125 LMXD I believe).
I've been truing with 600 grit the last few years, but moved to 1000 for the first sanding, then 3000 (each with wet sands before moving to next stage) to finish off. Pleased so far with the way the body sits and the wheel appearance in the wheel arches.
Up next is swapping out the E200 motor for a Pirahna, as that's what our club is doing to give these some oomph