yep all this sure does help.
i know where to get the traxxas connectors for $1 each. not sure if they are knock offs or not as they come from a good company that is a bigger name in rc. i will let you know after i contact them and order mine so i get them.

soldering is not a problem for me at all. i actually enjoy it part of my job being a mechanic and i specialize in electrical.

thanks for he help