Tom, funny you should ask. I got a parts delivery yesterday, which included a pinion cover. This morning I narrowed the pinion gear and moved the kicker in closer to the cover. It is going to work like factory! The only thing I will have to do is use an adhesive to attach the cover as I am running too close to the flywheel for rivets. I am thinking double sided carpet tape to hold it on.
Another issue I have run into is the throttle and choke cables. They are not long nor flexible enough to connect directly to the carb. I am thinking about building a small bell crank for each, which should solve the problem.
Updates next week as I will have no more time until then as my daughters graduate from college this weekend!