Metal covering in wheelwells

[SRide]

When we ripped up the floor of our 1983 MCI, and removed all the insulation, there were thin sheets of metal covering the fiberglass wheelwells (bolted and spot-welded in place) that curved to match the wheelwell.  Ours were rusted along the bolt-line and we need to know whether to replace them or not. 

Does anyone know what are these thin sheets of metal for?  (We thought they might be to reniforce the fiberglass) Thanks!

[WVObus]

For your own protection, replace those metal sheets!  they prevent road debries fron entering the coach and tearing things up or blown tirres ripping huge holes in the floor, its amazing what a tire tread can do to the underside of a coach
John F.

[Paul]

I used Stainless Steel metal to replace our wheel wells. they are installed from the under side and bolted on.  You can see some pic at www.incredibus,com/Floorremove.htm   Used new hex head thread-cutting bolts with fender washers and heavy seam of black P&L Flashing sealer from Home Depot. There was no welding to replace them or welds to cut for removal.