Looking great at the rate your going you will be done next weekend!!
Did you use a spot weld bit to remove the stainless guard?
Yes I did. I've worked in the Body Shop business all my life so cutting spot welds is noting new to me. I prefer the Blair Double-End Spotweld Cutter 13224 .There are a lot of different type but these seem to be the fastest cutting but are more prone to breakage.
I did wind up removing the the backing plate so I could move it back just enough that the trim sits just behind the front panel. I added a spacer under it so it sits just a hair above the paint. I bolted it in place so I could fine tune it after paint.