The "red, green, red#2, and gold wires" are not the same, so they should not be directly paralleled. One will force current back through another, basically resulting in a short. Probably best to put them in series on each toot, then series that tooth with the one across from it.
Delta does not work out so well for me.
Star is often good.
"Jerry Rigged" is rectifying each phase individually, and paralleling the outputs.
Might find a 1/6HP furnace blower motor that looks the same, but twice as thick and with easier to work with wiring (only one wire).
The other motor would be a more normal conversion.
Consider the housing (can it be waterproofed?), the bearings or bushings, wire size, simplicity, and possible output before putting a lot of effort and money into something not suitable for what you want for the finished project.
If the other motor is the type I think it is, I would not mess with it much because of the potential confusion with the multiple speed wiring complications.
And probably bushings instead of bearings, and a weak housing.
G-