The first round of flap valve material from Columbia Organ Leathers
came through at .090" thickness.  The second round ordered at .060"
came through still too stiff.

What if I slice the suede gasket at the wire support rods and imbed
the wire in the gasket to reduce the height?  This will make the flap
valve material conform to the rise easier and make the valve more
efficient while controlling noise (the purpose of the rod).

Regards,
Jon Page