M-3 Chop help

["Cochran, Stewart" <cochran#m#_stewart@msgate.apple.com>]

Hello All,

Well, I've finally grown up to the point where I want to use my Hammond M3 on
ALL my gigs instead of just the convenient ones.   In order for this to
happen, I'm going to need to make it a bit more portable. For one thing, it's
got to be able to fit in my Nissan truck with the cab on.  That means the
overall height can't be more than 31". Besides that, it's too tall to
comfortably play my PC88 which I like to put on top of the organ. Here's a
picture: 

http://atlantis.austin.apple.com/people.pages/cochran/setup.jpg

 It also needs to be on wheels.  My idea would be to use four 4-inch locking
casters so I could just 'roll and play'--no dollies or unnecessary lifting. 
Before I posted this, I searched the entire digest (no small feat, that; it
came to 332 pages!) using "chop".  I found that there were quite a few people
on the list who had done it but there were no real SPECIFICS about exactly how
it was done.  
There were also some very strong voices AGAINST chop jobs in general both for
technical and aesthetic reasons.  Although these all made perfect sense,  my
position is this:
If it's easier to carry around,  especially by myself, I'll be much more
inclined to play it.  I see this as a good thing.  I've been using a CX3 and
while it sounds great, I don't think it will ever sound like the real thing no
matter how many different pre-amps or effects I try.   Other point, this is a
beat up M3, not some showroom B or C. It's missing a leg, the cabinet is all
scratched up and there are two large heavy duty recessed handles on either
side.  



Here's what             Here's what 
I have:                  I want:                                              
                             
__________                                                                 
|         |            __________                                             
        
|___      |            |         |                                          
||  | |_| |            |___      |                                         
||  |     | 34"            | |_| |  31"                                       
    
||  |     |                |     |                                            

||  |     |                |_____|                                            
    
||<-|_____|                ()  ()    


 I think this project is within my abilities if I have VERY EXPLICIT
instructions. I am really looking for help with everything from the carpentry
to the electronics (removing the speaker and what to do with that big hole,
disconnecting the pedals, what to do with the expression pedal, etc.)  Another
quick question comes to mind: does anyone know a good mail order source for
tolex, casters and other road case hardware?

I'd also be interested in any OTHER ways I might approach this.  I really like
Wim Rijnsburger's chopped M3, but it's in a flight case with  the amp mounted
on the hinged back cover and many other mods he's made.  It's a fabulous
organ- I played it last summer in Amsterdam- but it's more detailed than I'm
capable of right now. 

Thanks to anyone who can help me or talk me out of it,


Stewart