I have appreciated so many people stepping forward with suggestions.....

2 slow.......good ideas.......no, I was planning on an underpiece of 1/8 and a new mount of 1/8, for a total mount thickness of 1/2, and the underneath piece would not be the full size of the mount, just sufficient to support the patch....the new mount would of course be full size. I like your idea of just using the original mount, installing a patch, and cutting a new hole. Might just be the ticket......yes, I think it might.....have to look at the plane a bit closer with your idea in mind.....

Dontcha love the little challenges of modeling? I'm gonna go buy some plywood but will check this forum before I do any cutting, in case somebody has any better ideas......thanks all!!