I second what DeereFever said. I, too, made a new plate [w/holes in it]. The largest bit I had at the time was 1 1/8", so I used that, and staggered the holes; ground it down to remove any burrs. It looks factory. I did not weld the new plate in, but rather used the little clips like the side inspection doors have to hold it on. I can replace it with the original if I were to trade and whoever didn't want it...
Don't just chop holes, though...especially below the fans.I promise you won't like that after you've done it!