@Big Jim I totally agree haha. I was just throwing stuff against the wall hoping for some advice. I found a thread that i I think is the answer to my question- carefully use an xacto and/or a mini hand saw or zona saw for abs plastic. thread is below for anyone else who is interested!
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...ibbed-passenger-cars
The modified cars shown in the thread look soooo much better IMO. I don’t have anything against passenger cars with skirts, just prefer that they not be there if not on the prototype.