MX, Thank you for the kind words. I am not sure what drew me to the big bores back in 1990, but I still love them a lot. BC's facility is a hoot on the machine. It is a handful at Anna in January, but it beats sitting on the couch. I am always terrible with names but I am sure I would remember you.
As to grips, unless the grips are the whitish Rentals (soft compound), I use PVC glue or even auto body touch-up paint (!) and safety wire. If it is a "same day" application, I would find some light contact cleaner and put a quick spray into the grip and give that a shot. Safety wire is still the best. And I had some with me too!