Anyone that has been following my posts for clearance issues has probably sensed my frustration with trying to get my weind intake and breather under my hood. I purchased a 1.5 in. drop base air breather assembly locally. It is a 14X3in. I still had to modify even that even, as well as shorten the vent tubes on the carb to accommodate. I am within 1/2 in of getting it to fit. What is causing the problem is the strengthening rail in the middle of my fiberglass hood. Its about 1" thick. What are the thoughts on cutting a portion of this rail out or slimming it down for clearance. My only other option are changing intakes, buying a 2" drop base cleaner from Ram Air, which would require cutting down the breather fastening post and I am worried about this creating air flow problems due to the element being so far below the breather base, (experts have said this causes the air to tumble when entering the carb, robbing horse power) So........ would I be alright cutting down the center rail on the hood or is that sound nuts?