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I would suggest to wet the wood and reclamp , you should expect to see things improve. You can make a set of spreaders to help . just remember that what goes in gotta come out.

I believe the sides should pretty much snap into the mold -- at least that's the way our (KMG) sides are bent. There may be a bit of deflection but if you need to use a bunch of clamps to make the parts conform to the mold something is just not right --- and as I always suggest and recommend -- this is a supplier problem contact them and they should be willing to send replacements.

I agree the sides should fit the mold without too much issue but if you got this off ebay you don't know what you may get. Like ken the sides we send out fit the mold.

It would be a good idea to water proof the mold if you are going to put wet parts in it. Any solvent based product will do the job. As a quick precaution you could use some plastic wrap between the sides and the mold as a moisture barrier. If I were you, I'd still call Chris at LMII -- you should not need to force them into the mold. Starting the project by building stress into the body is not good. $.02

I would add that if you are having to force the side to take the shape of the waist curve -- the bending job most certainly was not done properly. With acceptable spring back the ends will flare out.

LMI are usually pretty good .

I had to send a set of sides back to LMI last year. They were very accomodating. LMI had me send my sides back with my mold to make sure it fit. They even paid postage for the mold.

Great people to work with.

Regards,
Dan