Yes, we can't have this project slipping like that. I intend to hog page 1 with several projects this year, but especially this one....
I think I have to get the CP done. Right up to shiny completion. Ugh, I don't enjoy refurbishing and restoring. Better that than cutting yet another CP for this project though. That is way more work.
The CP now has a tough covering of fiberglass on the upright surface. The next step is to clean it up ready for primer.
I was going to use the old holes to flush trim cut new ones, but they are ragged with fibreglass drips. I'll fill them instead and cut clean new ones. Trust me, it's the better option. Here is the CP getting it's first coat of primer. There are many spikey bits of MDF here and there. That will all go away as we will see soon.
Here is my template for cutting the fresh control holes. The large hole where the joystick should go is for fitting a PVC insert into the panel. I'll keep this template for other projects - handy!
When this coat dries, I'll spray the top side, then sand and repeat several times. With each new coat, I'll also repair minor pits and holes with Bondo before the next spray coat.