> I think I'll use the wife's idea
> to precurve the hatch with strap clamps and then lightly - DUCT TAPE - the
> braces in place. I may have starved the joint last time by clamping them
> too tight. I'm just not going to take any chances.

> John

Use a rigid measuring stick (a ruler, yardstick or meterstick) or just an ordinary strip of thin wood, and lay it across the hatch opening. measure the straight-line distancd from side to side, or if you are using a stick, just mark on the distnace on that stick with a couple of pencil marks.

Use this to gauge the amount of tension you put into those strap clamps.

As you tighten the clamps lay your hatch piece over your rule or gauge, and tighten them until the edges of the hatch have been pulled in at least as far as the hatch opening is wide. If you are worried about the hatch springing back a bit after you release the tension on the strap clamp, then tighten the straps so that the hatch is 1/4 inch (6mm) to 3/8 inch (9mm) narrower than the opening while it is under tension. When it is released from tension it should spring back.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson