in the 3rd picture i show 2 pencil lines where i'm thinking about cutting the 1/4" tank floor and removing the center section. on the tank/top side i'm thinking about gluing an 1/8" ply piece to bolt the retract to. although sturdy i'm sure, there would still be only an 1/8" between the gear flange and the blind nuts. not a lot for some of my harder landings. and completely buried inside the plane should i happen to break out the retract. therefore i'm considering a piece of carbon fiber or g-10 if anyone thinks those are stronger materials in this application. thx.

david