Advice on cutting hole in hood for S/S scoop?

[butterball]

Finally mocking up the intake, carb, etc., and getting ready to cut a hole in the hood. I have an AAR S/S scoop for it. How big a hole is safe without weakening the hood? The darker line is 12 inches in diameter from the center of the carb stud, which would be for an 11 inch air cleaner...although the front of the circle may have to be moved forward for the hole to clear the air cleaner, depending on how tall it is... anyone done this before?

 

[briankaplan]

I cut that whole center section out, when I put the scoop on
the Duster.
Just cut into the right side of the bracing slightly to clear
the 14 in air cleaner. Added some new glue to the area to keep
everything together. Haven't had any problems.

 

[Mrmopartech]

Just cut the triangle section out and do it from under side of the hood to get reference pionts,or take the hood off and cut it on the work bench and make life easy,mrmopartech