I did it.

OK, so the bracket from yesterday didn't quite work, as the angle made it push the shell up at an awkward angle, so I fabbed up a new bracket, with the ankle mount hold up higher. This gives it a bit more wiggle room, so to speak.

Anyway, once that was on, there was nothing left but to put the side panels on (gorilla tape, just in case I need to take 'em off again), and that was it:

(cue Star Wars music)

Woo-hoo! Got it. Very pleased, can't wait to show it off. One week shy of ten months, start to finish. Lookin' good.

Actually, lookin' a little too good... (ominous foreshadowing)