I decided to deviate a bit from the Cubby plans (famous last words). I liked the look of the exposed spars on the hatch and decided not to skin the interior. The first thing I had to do was replace the plywood side rails with solid (oak) ones. Of course the wood had to be extra wide to make the curve ($$$

). Then I realized that my license plate and hatch light wiring would be exposed which didn't appeal to me

. I wound up removing the left side rail, routing a notch on top of it, and laying the wires in it. I did the same thing with the spar corresponding to where the lights will be

. I used brass screws on the side rails which will look real nice when all the oak is stained. So far, so good. I'm bending the 1" L-molding for the hatch sides tonight. This hatch has a real clean look if any of you Cubby makers are interested. All my spars and side rails are 1-1/2" x 3/4".
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/ ... /hatch.jpg
George.