In looking at the canopy skirt and where the push/pull mechanism will be, I need to build up the middle so that it's flush with the top and bottom binding. Right now there is a noticeable valley in the middle. I also have continued to noodle the process of installing the push/pull, covering it and then finishing it out. To visualize the steps, think about the fact that the push/pull will need to be riveted in place, then the finishing out will involve glassing over the assembly and then sanding it smooth on the outside, but drilling/sanding a hole smooth on the outside for your finger. Then doing some more paste/dam work inside so that the finger pull has something smooth to pull against. All this supposes that I can keep the push/pull mechanism clean and clear of the glass and flox...maybe I didn't think this out too well.
I then thought about a aluminum sheet cover that can be premade and then installed as part of the push pull mechanism. I can be glassed over to provide the top smoothness I am looking for in the end (I think). It can also be kept off the skirt until I have the underside built up, smoothed and ready so no conflict there. OK, this sounds like it just might work - let's glass in the valley and start working on the metal cover.
middle glassed in - cover smoothed and curves at bottom of pic
