>>I hope it all turns out well!

Thanks Mike and Ron. Appreciate the comments.

As noted, at first I thought about using some 4 oz. and epoxy on flat piece of glass. After cure assembly of strips on top. After posting, I took a piece of contact paper, removed the backing, and applied it to the "Inside" of the project - which leaves the adhesive surface sticking up and visible in the open area which will receive the diagonal strips. In addition to the glue to surrounding areas, the paper will hold all in place. "Contact" brand has reduced the tack of their paper making it pretty easy to remove when done - but adhesive side is subject to wood dust, slivers, etc. so must keep fabrication area away from layup area.

The project is a pickup bed cover - didn't want the 200 lb fiberglass ones. In doing measurements, I found an interesting detail in case anyone else decides to try this - on a Dodge full size (RAM) the bed is almost 2 1/2 inches wider at the cab than at the gate. Not on the Dakota series, not on Ford or Chevy (+/- 1/4 inch) - only the full size Ram. The taper will not allow a straight run, but the 2 1/2 inches of taper between the front and the back of the box is too small to taper the strips. Instead, I just thought it easier to make the taper more noticable and incorporate it into the design of the cover.

Daughter is into Arab Show Horses, so will engrave some lettering along the sides on each side of the box for her club, then epoxy clear coat. After cure, use a dark "Sharpie" pen to fill lettering and then the entire project will get a layer of 4 oz. cloth. Finally plan to add two rails from some oak along top near outside of bed. I can then carry sails for my boat on top bungeed down to the side rails. (boom and sail too long for bed). Taking photos of general construction process and when done will create and share PDF.

Later guys - and thanks again.