I think that means the head is stretched to it`s limit and you need a new one.

The hoop touches the side of the mechnism, not the bottom. It has a new ludwig head on it that I bought a few days ago.

OK, I think I understand what you mean....

..Is the red arrow pointing to the spot ? If it is,...Did you put washers on the inside of the shell or outside of the shell ? Will thicker washers on the outside space it enough ? Do you think you can gently bend maybe an already bent lip back a bit ?

I`m just trying to see what you think. I have not seen the assembly or area yet.

Yes that's what I mean. I will try to bent the lip of the hoop a bit. What is the best way to do it?

Don`t let metal touch metal, there has to be wood or plastic, rubber in between.

You might try wood blocks on the inside and outside of the lip and use channel lock pliers that open wide and squeeze gently to move the area.

Maybe a Big C-clamp with blocks or rubber and turn it slowly. Might spring back so check each time. The big C-clamp makes it easy to add pressure, and also too much so careful.

Just something off the top for now.

You have to take the hoop off for sure.