Yes, the front mounting blocks are a bit precarious. I wanted to leave the center section as open as possible, for passing wires, hoses, possibly (later) installing a smoke pump and tank...open leaves options. I have some 1/8" bass wood sheeting - will make strips of sheeting that go across ribs 1 ad 2, under the mounting blocks, or one strip that goes from left rib 2 t right rib 2. I think I'll also run a screw through this strip into each block and add some reinforcing triangular stock.