First off, I am a moderator on the Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forum with the same format, so it will be easy for me to navigate and use your site. It looks great and I can see where I'm going to spend some time here.

I have a 1688 with the slider contacts. At first, I thought the fiberboard was broken as there is no "rear" contact. In looking more carefully at it this morning, I find that it does not appear damaged as the semi-round indented ends are not out of shape and there is a short piece of metal that appears to be the back end of the spring keeper. My question is, Is this correct? I have the double ended replacement and new contacts in hand but haven't started taking anything apart as yet.

I'd also like advice on the best way to "spring" the sides of the motor to get the board out of the bottom without breaking it.

Lastly, I have always (some 75 years) not "liked" having "un-real" wheel arrangements. I put up with my Columbia engine when I was a kid and now am wondering if a 1044 pilot truck from a 238 will fit on my 1688 so I can have a "real" K-4 Pacific.

Thanks in advance for the answers.