Finally it looked like I had a solution. I made a new top for the box and glassed it in place. A day or so later I also did the edges by removing a little foam and adding dry micro and peel plying, really just to seal the edges.
Pic 2 and this is all done and trimmed. I had to move the access plate I'd made and reflox in the clickbonds. Another cure cycle.
Pic 3 and I finally have a good sealing cover. It is held in place with 6 side screws. MS35206-246 as I need to document this stuff somewhere right?
Although its a little heavier than I wanted I now have a really good base to secure some electronic box's to which is very pleasing and one of many reasons why I went away from the sock idea back to the solid box.
This has taken a rediculous amount of time. BUT.... now its done and in the past. I have a good result so time to move on and keep going forwards rather than looking back.