Well I switched the wires as they were connected to the pot and it didnt help any. In fact I think I may have fried something. I no longer get 763 ohms but about 650 max when I test it.
Maybe Ill hit Radio shack tomorrow and get a new batch of parts that I can ruin.

After all is said and done, I probably could have just bought the pre-made unit and saved myself a lot of trouble!
But this is a learning experience, right? And what $ value can be placed on learning?