Kevin, I think you nailed it. I went out to the garage and checked it out and sure enough, the plate was upside down. When I turned it over, the gap disappeared except for a hairline gap which should close up when I bolt it up. It should keep the hot end nice and stable now. I had replayed the assembly videos over and over trying to determine which side was correct but came up with the wrong side anyway.

Thanks for your help,

Dee