Putting new control panel in old Double Dragon cabinet

[shredso]

I have my Mame machine setup in an old Double Dragon cab.  I find it a bit tight with 6 buttons and maybe unmanageable since I out my spinner in it.  I would ideally like some more space and a trackball.  I'm assuming I could cut the sides back so the control panel will overhang a little.  Any tips or thoughts on this?  Anyone have success doing something similar?

[Angry_Radish]

Is it the original taito double dragon cab? ( http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=63493.0;attach=67629 ) ?
It would be a shame to cut up that cabinet, it's one of the best cabs for switching jamma games because of the drawer on the bottom for the board, and the front access to rotate/maintain the monitor..

[Crowquill]

If that is the cabinet, you'd have more to contend with than just the sides. Can you build a panel to go over the sides/front?