Do you have to remove the top shelf behind tbe seats to remove the front engine cover

[steved0x]

I have my top down, and want to remove the panel behind the seats. Do I need to.put the top in service position and remove the shelf so I can get at the fasteners at the top of the front engine cover carpet. Or is there a shorter way to remove the shelf without going into service position?. The 101 Projects guidance does not say anything about removing the top cover first (Ok I just checked the Bentley and it does say... I should have checked there first dang it...) it is too cold in my garage to let the top back up and I can't run the engine to warm.up the back window because the coolant is all drained. I guess I can aim a space heater at the clamshell to try and get some heat onto the plastic window. Shoot.