Thanks for the replies guys.
DrLou, took your advice and replaced both brushes, unfortunatly that did not get the motor spinning on low setting. I soaked the bearings in penatrating oil for a few hours to try and loosen up some of the rust. Tested the blower this morning and its running well on high (12v) and medium speed (when CCP is set to Auto) - just not on low. I can live with that for the time being... with alittle luck I'll find a used one is a scrap yard ths weekend, otherwise a new motor is in order.
CDPlayer; I was wonder just that peticular thing this morning - how to get the old cages off. From what I see on the net the diffrance between motor with/without cages is around $80 I'll give it a shot when it comes time to swap out motors.

Cheers for now.
EADG