Hello Scott,
I am verry happy that everything is ok.
Looking forward to see the pictures and movie.
I think i know the answer for the geardoor problem.
On my L39 are the servohorns vertical up when the doors are closed.
So there is no force on the servo's when you are flying.
It is a overcentral lock.
so you have only to make 2 new ( longer) pushrods between the servo and door.
I hope you understand what i mean, because my englisch is not so good
If you don't i can make pictures for you.
Rg Maikel