Thanks for the help guys, I've started to finish my project and create the thread here. As I said, the pre-built countertop was causing me some trouble. I've decided to make my own.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=580800
To add,
Ive swapped the thermostat in the freezer itself to a fridge controller. While there is no need to the temp-probe power regulator most use here... my temperature was a little more finicky to dial in. When full... it sits at around 33F currently.
It works! the lid opens as expected, on a 32" piano hinge I've seen this style here in the forums before.
The bar after the surface has been laminated with 1/8" oak sheets. Staining in progress and the faux barnboard chosen for the project is installed.
Up next..... a hurdle yet to be...
Moffat 7.0 Chest Freezer
Dual Regulator Tower Kit w/ px manifold from OBK
3" 5/16 bolts x4 rubber sealing washers x4 and T-nuts x4
Some epoxy and stains and stuff
A crap-ton of wood (when you aren't a professional wood worker... things get interesting.)
Faux barnboard siding for interior...