Plastic Screws?

[Railrunner130]

I recently purchased a PFM 4-6-4T. I got a really good deal, but that also means it needs a good bit of work. After close examination and a lot of cleaning, I decided that it has the potential to be converted to DCC. The only problem I see is that one side of the power appears to come through the screw that attaches the motor to the frame. There's even a plastic/rubber buffer pad between the two. I have this same issue with a number of DCC candidates.

Where can I find plastic screws to isolate the motor with?

 

[Espeefan]

Is this an open frame motor? Take a look at the brushes. One is usually wired to the motor frame. You'd just have to break that connection, then solder your orange and gray leads to the motor brush leads. You'd still have the open frame current draw issue. I replaced all of the open frame motors in my brass locos with modern can motors.

 

[bnsf971]

I've simply removed the wire or connector bridging the brush to the motor frame. IF the motor doesn't draw gobs of power, you should then be able to easily install DCC.