it's easy to pull the cap on a cc console. just make sure you disconnect the wires for your lights and anything else that is connected to the cap. check out kens 1971 v20 cc in gallery..............as far as plywood for the transom, everyone has there own thinking of what to use. i used consruction grade plywood and gave it a coat of resin. i did plywood, layer of glass, plywood, layer of glass, plywood layer of glass. 3/4thick