upgrade
upgrade
yes
If you look at Ron Awads pictures of Mentone thread, you will see a mast that broke where it was drilled, usually right behind your back on a Bensen. the extra wall is extra protection if one of the tubes begins to crack, It maybe the thing that gets you down again safely.
6061 T6 for all your frame components. When your 400 feet in the air with nothing to grab on to and two bolts holding your seat to the mast, you will be very glad you used the proper materials.
Gyro Jake made a jig for drilling the tubing to insure the proper clearance. Tim Chick had one for sale.
One last note.
There was a video "How to fly Gyro Planes". In that video Chris Burgess CFI gave a preflight inspection for a Bensen type gyro. He points out some very critical pieces to look at and examine for cracks. like the flat part of the angle braces on the seat, and motor support. It is an excellent preflight study for someone with a Bensen for sure, although it applies to many gyros.
I suggest you look for a copy of it.