Hey Jan, I would definitely do something there, these are made to be adjusted for lock and drop, ie the extra length and the clamping system. alot of times they are cut at the same angle on both ends of the pallet and you can flip them over. Be sure to measure the original distance as that will get you close to where you want to be. You will still want to recheck it with the escape wheel between the plates for proper lock and drop. Do you have any books on escapements? Also if you were to polish and burnish the original grooved ends, depending on the tools you have, try clamping the verge in a way that will allow you to be accurate and steady while filing/polishing/burnishing (use of imagination required 
). Remember it is easier to take more off than add more on. Looks like a fun project, have a great day, William
