Yes you have to remove that whole top module. It really is not hat hard though. I think the flat rate for the install of the bars is 3.5 hrs. It only took me about 5 hours and I don't have a service manual so I would have to check online sometimes to find out exactly what had to come off. One you get into it the spyder is really not hard to work on at all. They have done a good job of making everything come off in sections and only a few bolts and some wiring connectors have to be undone.
The front trunk section.... 6 bolts, and 6 or 8 (depending on options) wiring connectors, 1 cable for compartment is all for that.
Glove box section .... 4 bolts, 1 wiring connector, 1 cable for compartment lock.
Dash/headlight section... 4 bolts, 2 headlight adjustment cables, 3 electrical connectors.
Of course you have to remove all the exterior panels first and that is the hard part.
The only thing I found to be tricky was the bezel around the key switch. The instructions that come with the bars show you just turning the bezel counterclockwise and removing it. That is NOT the case! The bezel has locking tabs that are not easy to release but it can be done, you have to lift those tabs slightly and then turn the bezel to get it off.