Decided that a bit of reinforcing on the back side might be a good idea at the outer edges so recycled a couple of pieces of 1/8" x 1-1/2" flat steel from an old project that didn't work out and cut them 2-5/8" long. Drilled two 1/4" holes in each one that matched spacing wise and had two plates ready to weld on the back side of each paddle for strength.
Clamped each one in position and welded them all the way around after they were tacked in position.
Then I used the electric drill and a 1/4" drill bit to add new holes in the front side of the paddles so I can install new rubber flaps - the last time I mounted them on the back side but I am thinking that I will try installing them on the top side as that may help to lessen any stones or small objects jammed between the end of the rotor and the housing.
Next will have to check the gear on the rotor to see how much it is worn compared with a new one I have. If it looks good I will try and set the rotor up on some bearings to see how much I have put things out of balance. Then I can do a cleanup with some sandpaper and a wire brush and give things a splash of paint. Think someone may have painted the rotor silver at some point but I am seeing a little black paint in spots so I may paint is black.