RE: Easier Windshield
Open cockpit windshields are pretty easy to make.
Make a paper template first. When that fits, transfer ALL the lines to the windshield material with a fine tip felt type marker. Cut the windshield out, but only cut 1/2 way on the bends. Use a straight edge along the bend when making the bend also helps. For fastening them, I like to leave a tab on the front and on each side. I then make a slit through the covering and the wood and insert the tabs, coated with a LITTLE epoxy into the slits.