At long last an update! with photos!!
So I finally got the jack handle and release handle installed (only jack handle visible in this photo. It does glide easily up and down but it is a bit wobbly at full height so i'll come up with some stabilizing pins or something to look the two sections together

Next it was the control panel module. The plan is to have it rotate through about 90 degrees-- so in one configuration it holds the traditional control panel or the dual steering wheels (pedals will be resting on the floor when needed)


The gap down below the panel will have special spacer that sticks in with velcro so i can pop it out if i need to rotate the panel box.
And at long last, the control panel can be rotated down and in, allowing room for my USB spy hunter control panel that I bought like 10 Years ago and have never used--just thought it was a cool thing to be able to use and its one game in mame I haven't played in forever (with buttons etc.)
