On mine all I had to do was cut the covering over the gear openings enough for the holes to align.
Did mine as well, in fact I cut 4 holes on the underside and used nut and bolt setup, 4 small bits of UCote and you will never see it.
Never liked the aluminum tapped stuff as disimilar metals dont get along.
Gear is now as strong as it will get with no added weight plus its easier to tighten fully.
If you use a cannister the center ones need to be button head types.
Really does land light.