It sounds like the consensus is I can't take a shortcut to fix the problem. Heck, if I didn't try to take a shortcut in the first place, I wouldn't be in this situation! Good lesson to learn early I guess.
Unfortunately, I am in the Seattle area so I won't be able to swing by to learn first hand. I greatly appreciate the offer. I'll post some pics when I finally finish it.
Thank you again.

Dan