The flap valve leather I recently received from Columbia Organ Leathers
is too thick and not supple enough to conform over the center support
rods for the interior ports on an Ampico pumpers.  The original material
measures .050" thick and this is .090" thick.

Could I just remove the support rods and get a better seal with this
thicker material which will not be drawn into the ports as a more
pliable leather would?

Regards,
Jon Page