Scotty,
This is how I run mine for stick pack Lipo. I too now run the speedo in the middle (much neater and better weight distribution), it looks quality.
I've cut the brace just in front of the little ridge that holds tha pack, however I've also folded a peice of lexan over so that it really holds tha pack in well.
Lastly I don't run the front brace now either. The chassis is very stiff in that area and now I don't need the servo mount or battery strap mount it's neater to mount the PT up there.
HTH
Dan