Steve, I did not enlarge the hole in the center panel so as to be able to remove the Garmin GPS from the front. To open the front center panel enough to remove the Garmin leaves an unsightly gap. I normally plan to update it whenever (annual) I have the instrument cover off and take the GPS out, from the back, to take home to update. The problem with updating with an external connection is that Garmin pretty much requires that the thing be connected to a computer with internet connection which I don't have in or near my hangar. They are not as enlightened as Dynon in that regard. I have since purchased a new center panel and an Airgizmo for the GPS which allows you to simply remove it by pushing the button on the left side.
Now that I have installed a canopy lock I feel I can leave the airplane, brief periods anyway, without the GPS or the headset disappearing.
I have not installed this yet because of the hassle of pulling out the engine control and cabin heat cables. I am thinking about doing the Bill_H Center Panel Mod so the center panel can be removed without taking out the cables.