Jeff
soldering the cable is a great idea, I have done that many times, when adding the solder to it make sure you use the paste or liquid to help it solder to the cable good, also when doing it I have a wet rag next to me, as soon as i'm done soldering I run the wire in between the wet rag to cool it and to get all the excess material spread even on the cable and I end up with a clean and a straight.cable.