Started to trim the metal. The seat leather is attached to it, so I was sure to leave enough for it to still be sturdy. Side note. Those cutoff disc tend to break off easily. So eye protection is a must. I ended up going thru about 10 of them on the 1st 2 brackets! Its not the cost that bothers me but having to unscrew/ rescrew a new one in. Eats up so much time. Be prepared to swear a lot. I have some better ones for the other seat.