LantanaTX,

As to the frayed wires... I always solder new wires in and put heat shrink tubing over the solder joints. If you can't solder... find someone who can. This will keep your resistance at the joint to factory specifications or better.

As to the front suspension and the extra weight... how about looking at springs from a wrecked SL500? Almost the same chassis weight I believe.

Excellent progress!!!