While drilling the pilot hole after getting through the outside shell I encountered metal then the inner shell. Still not knowing what the internal structure consisted of, on a wing and a prayer I went with the up sizing of the hole for the wiper shaft. And a rough layout on the internal shell cut away area. Then got to cutting out the inner shell. After getting the shell cut away and seeing the steel frame I took a deep breath had a beer and said to heck with it and cut an access area out of the steel stiffener.
This is the only internal frame work on the topper. It is basically for the window channel and frame. And before anyone starts ,yes the structural integrity was compromised some what. I personally don’t think this stiffener would provide any protection in a roll over. I don’t intend to off road this vehicle and if I did it would get a complete cage installed. Last picture is the final cleaned up cut out areas prior to prime and paint. (The wire harness visible is for my cargo and reading lights that I installed.)