GRAB IT or it's GONE!

RULE NUMBER ONE, in dumpster diving: If you want it, grab NOW, because it ain't gonna be there when you come back for it later....when it's more conveinient....
That goes double in NYC....So I was pretty lucky yesterday, when walkin down the WEST END in Columbia University area, and saw this bed frame...(I've been living on a twin on the floor since I moved here...and have been yearning for a better BED life....)...
It looked in good shape...but I had errands to run....BUT I kept thinking about it, and how I needed one...and turned around and came back about half an hour later....at first I thought it was already gone, but finally I found it propped up against all the other garbage waiting on the curb...I pondered how I could get it home...And finally figured out a way to walk with the important parts without too much awkwardness....
This was on 104th street, and I live on 141st street...so I started walking....
After what seemed like a COON's age I arrive at my domicile...weary, but glad I had made the effort....(I went back later for the slats...that go in between the rails, that the mattress rests on...but the trash collectors had already come by (and I thought they just came late at night to piss us off...), and the street was empty....WHEW! That was close....I just look at it in my room and I'm so happy I grabbed it...it's a beautiful light color, and looks hand made....









NOW, If anyone can give me a solution for another way to atatch these rails...the hardware seems a bit worn out...so I'm trying to come up with another way to fix this without ruining the over look of the frame....Any suggestions?