i cut about 10 of them over the yrs, and the best way is get you a big piece of cardboard and cut it to fit the blower first and then mark the hood. keep the cut as close to the blower and belt as you can. if you gonna drag it, they may make you put a belt guard on it also. something you might want to check on. look at the pic. in the gallary, maybe you can get an idea there. the top pulley is not in the center of the hood.