My pre-gapping worked well and I tweaked each travel with calipers
after re-assembly; it was pretty darn close considering removing and
reinstalling the limiters.

I'm glad I reproduced the 3-7/16" extension and didn't make it 3.5"
because the top panel would have hit the axle support blocks.  From
the lower metal support to the block is 3.5", so it is the structure
of the unit is what determines the full open range of the accordion
pneumatics.  No one mentioned this cautionary aspect.

I did cover them with cloth and leather.  Some on MMD said the thin
pneumatic cloth would not stand up to the unregulated air pressure
but with the pouch leather outer skin, it makes sense that the cloth
coating would not suffer such a strain lacking outside air to permeate.

So I have the strength of the cloth, plus the protection of the
leather, to attenuate the ossification in the rubber coating when the
corners deteriorate and I don't have to worry about stretching leather,
it is sufficiently supple.

Jon Page
Harwich Port, Massachusetts
http://web.me.com/pianocapecod/