: so first lower the deck flange lip so you get some clearance for a gasket-
: say min 1/16inch. then on the inside of this deck lip put clay or
: cardboard or plasticine or any junk quick filler say flush w/ the lip edge
: and say only 1/2in or so thick. the idea is that you are making the lip
: edge 1/2in or so thick and itself lipped so even if the straps fail or
: loosen the lid has to lift 1/2in or so and is even snapped in place when
: all fails.

hi mick;
would it be possible for you to sketch a profile view of this and post it? i can't quite get a visual from your description and it sounds really interesting!
regards;
daren.....