"but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions or
comments about this whole process."

The printed instructions that came with mine said to begin attaching the
canvas at the front first, centering it, and working down the sides then
doing the rear last as any "adjustments" would not be seen. It worked great
for me, but then I and friend John C. took the top off and I attached that
part first, then, as Kim said, put a 2X4 under the front of the top to prop
it open, and attached the bottom, front to rear.
Although the attachment at the rear was harder than front, taking the
cushions out of the upper bed and laying in there made patience easier. I
used a B&D rechargeable screw driver with the tilting end and that helped a
lot.
Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
"Passion Fruit"