Wow!  Thanks for all of the great replies.  Sounds like I am going to pick me up some Traxxas connectors and get to work.  In regards to whether the previous owner actually soldered or just spliced, he did solder, but it is a pretty shabby job.  Looks like a 6 yr old did it.  I guess I should have known better when the description on Ebay item was one line and it ended with "Sold As Is".  I saved about $100 bucks over a new truck so hopefully once I get some Traxxas connectors on this thing I won't regret going used.  I had reservations about buying a used RC truck but apparently my stingy nature over took me in the long run.  Thanks again for all the great posts.  I am sure I will be back to the forum for more advice and pointers.  Mike