[pianewman]

Thanks, all, for all the information. After lengthy discussion with my dad, we're going through with the complete replacement of the transom. Unfortunately, we'll have to pay for the whole process, as he's just too old for such labor, and I just can't do such a large job. I'd love to take on the challenge, but, I'm a concert pianist/teacher and at age 57, the rate of recovery for my hands after doing this sort of rough work is just too slow.

Thanks again for all the helpful responses.