Thanks in advance for all replies. I'm considering an 8"W X 5"T cutout for access to rear of the radio stack which is on the left side of my panel. Currently the space is so tight & impossible to get to the connectors. Would a cutout of this size degrade the integrity of the bulkhead? Facing the bulkhead from inside the baggage compartment the cutout would be in the upper panel to the right of center. The bulkhead is currently covered up with an upholstered panel. My preference is to NOT have to rivet in a doubler with nutplates to accept an 8" X 5" panel to cover the hole...which would bring it back to the orig. strength. MB