After some discussion on the VAF forum, I trimmed the bottom of the control sticks to fit into the bases. You can see that there is still a gap in the powder coating which is due to the exposed area starting at 2" while the max depth of the bases was about 1.5". I trimmed the bushings to fit in the crossmember and reamed them for an AN4 bolt, then trimmed the stick for the bushing, though I will have to do some more trimming around the webbing before sending them off to be re-coated. I assembled the sticks and pushrods and then temporarily installed the pilot's seat (the picture doesn't show a blanket I used to cover the foarm before sitting in it) so that I could check for interference with the panel and pilot. Checking with the grips supplied by Aerotronics, I determined I will have to cut the sticks down to about 3" length for the straight portion. With sticks and seat in place, work stopped and airplane noises ensued. Seriously, I checked and found that the most forward seating was comfortable but put full aft stick in my belly. 3 clicks aft was still comfortable and no stick contact at all, so I will probably adjust the rudders for that position.