GME TX6000 battery pack

[freqwaves]

My GME TX6000 UHFCB handheld's battery pack has finally lost it's charge. After looking through the internet for a replacement to no avail I decided to cut the pack open.
It runs on 8x AA size 1.5v batteries (Nicads). I was looking at buying some NIMH rechargable batteries with contact plates but the cost could blow out to $80.
Has anyone had success in soldering contact plates to normal AA NIMH batteries? Normally they are spot welded to the battery terminals in production.
BTW I can solder but more concerned of what too much heat can do to the battery cells & how well the metal plates stay soldered to the battery.

Thanks, John.

[freqwaves]

I had success in replacing the batteries. Purchased 8x Panasonic NIMH batteries through Ebay with metal tabs attached for $35 including delivery.
Successful in soldering the tabs together, bit of modification to plastic case to accomodate new batteries which were 2mm longer than originals. Charged up & radio back in action!