I really like that "oil slick" finish anno. I'm not sure I'd call those levers cheap, they look like solid units to me. So far so great, I can't wait to see the rest of this thread.
What's with the pic of the raw tube? Tempting our tummy with the taste of nuts and honey? Oh so cruel to post such a pic amongst tinkerers and fixers....now all I can do is salivate and wait helplessly while the story slowly unfolds.
I know it is complicated work you are about to start but be kind and document as much as possible with your camera. These kinds of projects is what this retro game is all about...