Hi folks, 
looking for some help with repairing a UK version of Remington Portable #2 (I'm pretty certain its a #2. No serial numbers unfortunately). I actually have 2 of these; one is in a pretty poor state with rust/perished rubber, but it almost works, so most of the mechanics are sound. The other machine is in a much better state; this is the one I am going to try to get operational, using the rusty one as a parts source where required. The 2 machines are not 100% identical, small details are different,  but the vast majority of the parts I can see appear to be the same. 

However, the cleaner machine has 3 issues at the moment, which I am struggling with and I hope someone here may be able to help (NB I have downloaded the 1931 service manual which has been an enormous help in understanding how the machine functions and what to look for. I am reasonably mechanically minded and have already replaced the broken drawstring with fishing line by just studying that manual).

1) Biggest issue is that the keys dont reach the platten!  All of the keys hit the Universal bar lugs and stop before they reach the platten. I read in the manual about 'Lead', ie the travel of the key before the Ribbon carrier moves, which should be about 1 inch. The carrier moves almost as soon as one of the bottom row keys is pressed. The manual gives instruction on bending lugs to adjust the lead, but I feel there is something else wrong, given how extreme it is;  so am reluctant to start bending tabs unless everything else is in the right place. I have compared the 2 machines; there is definitely more space in the rusty one. Is there a way to move the carriage back (ie away from the keyboard) a bit? I fear the machine may have been dropped or bashed at some point, and the carriage is now too close - if that makes sense?

2) Next issue is a missing (ie broken off) carriage return lever and line advance. I've removed the platten and remaining broken parts on the cleaner machine, and can see how to fix it. The right parts are on the rusty machine; however, I cant get the platten out on that one (rod is rusted in). Is there a way to get the line space/carriage return module out without removing the platten? I suspect not, but any advice on working on this module would be helpful. 

3) Last issue - well, as far as I know! -  the wire connector for the 'Q' keylever linking to its operating arm has come off. The wire has been bent, but I think it would still work. And I have the corresponding wire from the other machine if required. But the bends in the end of the wire mean I cannot see how to fit it back in without completely stripping the key block down, which I realise would be unwise. Is there a way to do it, or should I just improvise a connector with a loop of fishing line /thinner wire? Thankfully its the outside key!

Any advice on getting one of these lovely old machines back up and running would be gratefully received!
Thanks.