Dan, I used tiny,tiny bits of Blue Tac to hold on the gears. Sorry man missed that question.  
Thanks Jolly. I got the transfers of eBay, I  just searched nail transfers. As for what clears can go over them, no idea, I used 3prt poly. Given it is meant for nails I would imagine it can handle some hot lacquers. To transfer them you first have to apply a liquid adhesive. Once it sets up, becomes tacky, you apply the transfer. 
Thanks John, it's only one car, the purple/silver combo failed, so I stripped it in brake fluid. No real plans other then redo the paint, and reassemble it, the engine is what ever Hemi that came in the kit, which I believe is a 392.  
Your build sounds fantastic John, feel free to post up a link or pics up here.  
  
So so this is where I am for now. Have to wait a few days for the paint to gas out and completely dry before the latex can be removed without concern of any flakes sticking to the underlying paint.  
Going to very interesting to see how it all looks once the latex is removed and the clear goes down.