Here's the finished product. The upper and lower arms are now tied to the brackets from the housing and I have added leadout holes on the front piece. It has turned out much sturdier than I had anticipated. An exoskeleton so to speak. It will easily take a 25 lb pull for .15 carrier and would probably stand up to much more. I still may wrap the grip portion with either thin leather or as Charles suggested, a tennis racket type wrap. Now I just have to wait until the motor I need shows up at Innov8tive Designs.
John, glad to hear you have had good luck with this radio. It was cheap, about $27 or so with receiver. It also has the advantage of a rechargeable Lipo battery in the handle that is smaller and lighter than 4 or more double A's.