The final step was to apply several coats of varethane.  We used spray cans as well as brushes for this.  This caused the skin to yellow a bit more than we anticipated, but the yellow gives it more of an animal skin look, so we're both pretty happy with it.

Our maiden voyage!

rubrails

With the ends stitched up, the next task was attaching the rub rails.  We clamped them into place.

Starting at one end, we countersunk the pilot holes so the screw heads would be flush with the rub rails.

We slowly worked our way along, evenly spacing the holes, and putting the screws in.

When we got to the ends, we cut and sanded the rub rails to match the contour of the stem a little.

 The end result was really good.  The last thing to do before the finish was to trim the stems.  This probably could/should have been done earlier.  We traced a line that looked good onto a template so we could get the front and back the same.  Then we put a hole in there for a carry handle.

Sausages!!

With the skin on, the next step is to do the protective strip up the stems.  This has two functions.  First, it hides the seam of the skin.  Secondly, it gives a little bit protection to the stems.