Hugh,
Thanks, I'll send a picture, there is no spacer at the pivot point. I believe a spacer on each side would probably fix the problem. As far as the fastener in the top rest hole; when I look at other 44s there is some sort of grommet with the fastener. I am kinda wondering if the bow clamps are an add on. Additionally, we had to rebuild the metal hardware as it was completely rusted out. The cones for the receivers for the bows were completely gone so I may need to straighten/bend them a little bit. All the wood frame had to be replaced on this car so there could be some anomalies with the body. This is both good and bad. The new wood will probably last forever due to modern coatings but there could have been changes in dimensions of the car through that process that is haunting me now.
So glad to get this help, wish I would have joined prior to starting this project.
Thanks,
Brian