Thanks - been doing so many things I didnt even think about the simple way! lol
I wasnt sure how complex it would be - I just taught myself to extract the boot.img in case it was in there, lol, but hell - at least I learned something along the way.
I'd love to get more proficient at this, but it seems so damn complex having only ever utilized windows systems unix is so alien.
ANd still like to know if I can update this rom to 2.3.6 withough screwing up my system aka monster 5.3, as it would be nice to have that update.
* pulled and installed the oa phone.apk and contacts.apk - works fine and I'm happy with it. TY