<P> One of the main architects of the restoration project was initially convinced that the second hypothesis was correct, but according to a quoted and published statement, recent research had convinced him of the veracity of the third hypothesis . The most significant problems were consequences of poor design and construction choices implemented initially, but Eiffel could not have directly been responsible for such glaring mistakes according to the (same) architect . Computer aided design drawings were used to illustrate how the head and the hand wielding the torch had been misaligned, and how the misalignment had caused the spikes of the crown to damage a section of the torch - bearing arm . The "13 trouble spots of the statue" were visually emphasized in a front page New York Times article from July 20, 1983 . The head was 2 feet (61 cm) off center and the upheld arm was 18 inches (46 cm) away from where it was designed to be . </P> <P> With the computer simulations of the CAD program, the architects were able to assess the likelihood of implementing either of the following options to address the misalignment issue: the option of rebuilding the arm - shoulder connection as Eiffel had envisioned it, or they could strengthen the preexisting misalignment by adding new diagonal bracing and steel plates . The latter option would have the intended effect of further reinforcing the repairs that had been made when the problem was initially noticed in 1932 by the War department when it had jurisdiction over the statue . Regardless, the "finite element analysis" of the computer simulation showed that both solutions would work . Additional supports were also added inside the head to improve overall stability . Hence, the positions of the arm and the head would remain as they had been since they were reassembled on Bedloe's Island in 1886 . </P> <P> According to the New York Times, the architects on the project assured the reporter that despite the misalignment, "cosmetic changes" to the statue would not take place . Several commentators on the historic restoration project seemed to have reiterated a similar guiding sentiment: that preservation rather than unnecessary replacement would be the objective of the current restoration effort . This was quite reassuring, in the light of proposals put forward early on during the restoration efforts such as the following: "cleaning and polishing of the statue's exterior; demolition of the statue, selling of the copper and the use of the funds raised to build an exact duplicate in fiberglass; the application of an epoxy coating to the exterior and the construction of a competing monument ..." </P> <P> A New York Times article from February 8, 1984 mentioned that the idea to have an elevator that would reach to the crown of the statue had been recently abandoned . A double level hydraulic glass elevator would be installed inside the base of the statue from which visitors would be able to access the crown by ascending a few steps . Much of the interior had been reconstructed, with a great deal of emphasis placed on enhancing the visitors experience, as the original structure was not devised with the visitor in mind, poor lighting conditions, no ventilation and a very inadequate and basic heating system were to be changed . </P>

How many times has the statue of liberty been restored