After rich left I spent some time creating a template for a glare shield inlay. Instead of gluing material to the glare shield I will glue the material on a removable aluminum sheet. This will be wedged between the glare shield and plexiglass and be secured with the glare shield bumper.
I used a piece of paper first, then transposed the shape to a sheet of aluminum flashing material. I put some electric tape on the edge and tested for the fit on the glare shield.
I expect the actual piece to be smaller as I plan to have soundproofing material (aviation approved) from Aircraft Spruce between the glare shield and the inlay.
I managed to lift the canopy in place and spent an extraordinary long time opening and closing the canopy with a large grin on my face.