if it was me, and clearly it is not, (dang it) I would keep the present hood as is and not modify it at all. You can easily buy a lift off for what it will cost you having your guy modify your existing. That way you keep your nostalgia hood unmolested plus have a spare lift off. And to Eric’s point the lift offs are just way past handy. Except in high wind! Hah! I usually just set mine on the roof if there is no wind. If there is wind I slip it under the car.