Well, the shim popped off during triming, CRAP! Half expected it to any way as there is no room for the epoxy in the joint.

Cleaned it all back up and was super carefull of my heat and not to smoke the flux, the hooks tinned up much better on this go 'round. I tinned a new shim and seated it by hanging 20# of lead off the ends of the clamp mandrel. Warmed everything back up till the solder flowed; the shim seated perfectly under the load.

SUCCESS!

I'm about an hour into blacking down the barrels and figure I have another hour or more to go.
I'm using a votive candle for soot (and a few prayers don't hurt either).