Unfortunately thats what it takes, and cutting out the spare tire well (12lbs) and the factory shock crossmember (8lbs) and replacing with much stronger and lighter chromoly is a NO brainer. Yes the car is clean as it was an old ladys car in 1979 when i got it. Just 6 years old and as she put it , i had never even been on the highway. She never really drove it over 30-40 mph..... Plus its just a 6cyl car so no shame in cutting it up for the sake of going faster !!