Eric,
Glad you started a restoration/build thread. Maybe I could fly down to Toledo and look it over with you. That elevator push pull tube is concerning. There's supposed to be a plastic bushing in there, very similar to the rudder pedal and flaperon bushings but larger. I know because I just bought one. That dent is concerning and if it were me I would plan on replacing that tube.

I would get that covering off for sure. All of it.