Deciding on removing center vent, as long as it doesn't break stuff

[DzienManche]

I got a single DIN radio that has a full touch screen. I thought it would be just enough clearance under the overhang of the dash to work just fine. It apparently wasn't lol. But, I'd like to remove the center vent from the dash to move the A/C controls down a bit and the radio down just slightly to offer more clearance. When I took the dash apart, the vent seems to be plastic welded (tech term haha) to the piece it is connected to. Do I have to cut it out in order to remove it? I was planning on using some ducting tape, or something similar, to connect the small tubing from it to the drivers side vent under the steering wheel. My searches have left me with not much to go on and I'm not sure what to look for in the forums that may offer some additional guidance. I'll continue my search while also posing this question. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

Side note, I'd like to remove it with as little damage as possible in case I want to put it back in potentially. I can handle the hardware in order to make it a mountable thing with nuts and bolts for sure.

[89 MJ]

Here is what @ghetdjc320 did when he put a double din radio in his truck. It may work for inspiration

https://comancheclub.com/topic/60136-double-din-install/#comment-617950

[DzienManche]

40 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

Here is what @ghetdjc320 did when he put a double din radio in his truck. It may work for inspiration

https://comancheclub.com/topic/60136-double-din-install/#comment-617950

Looks to me like he had to remove it and cut it out to move. I guess that's what I have to do then. Dang.