Yah - you remove the panel, then install the boards, then cut the panel, then reinstall around the brackets.
Feel free to drive down to Almaden Valley this weekend and i will help you install them. Shouldn't need them but i have a lift and pucks and tools. Should take an hour or so max.
This is a pretty standard issue on all cars. The manufacturers always make them black to fit in with the rest of the trim. i will probably just paint mine orange or something.