Put everything back together and marked the cut line for trimming off the front molding strip. Unfortunately I didn't take off all the clamps which resulted in some tension along the cut line. A small crack developed, but didn't spread. I was able to trim everything back about 3/16" which was needed anyhow. This solved the problem. Live and learn. Do not keep the canopy under even the slightest tension while cutting or drilling if you can help it.Deburred and smoothed out the cut edge. All looks well, but it took too long.
