[crazyclimbr]

Try a large magnet when you are going to align them. Put the magnet on the outside of the cover where the shaft needs to go. They have these big magnets @ Harbor Freight type of stores that have 100 lbs pulling power. Use some thread to hold the shaft in place (it helps when you have a buddy) and then as you put the cover in place the magnet can guide the shaft as you pull the thread.