I have a Brillelli 25 GT conversion engine mounted on a Great Planes Super Stearman using 1 inch diameter dowels for standoffs. Like many conversions, a threaded portion of the drive shaft is exposed in the rear. Unfourtunately, the gas and vent line exit the firewall right behind the drive shaft, and my lines got chewed up by the threaded rod. Anyone have any simple ideas for covering the exposed portion, or even capping the rear portion of the engine? My initial thoughts were to get some thin aluminum and JB weld it to the back for form a backplate to the engine. Am I overlooking a simpler solution. I really wish I could just divert the lines, but it's sort of a tight turn as they exit the firewall and the threaded shaft is sitting right there....Any input would be appreciated!

Mike