Technical Heat shield essential?

[Ulpian]

Hi there,

My exhaust heat shield has fallen off.
Now, it seems not to protect the fuel tank too much as it barely shielded any of it. The only other part I can see is the run for the handbrake cable, which is about four inches away from the pipe.

Is it really necessary to replace it, because the fixing bolts look rusted and breaking one might dislodge the rear roll bar which shares a fixing point!

Does any tech out there have any certain knowledge? All replies kindly received

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

Those shields are crap, they often come loose due to vibration on several other Fiat models.
Don't bother, just drive your car, nothing will happen.

 

[Ulpian]

Thanks Peter, that's more or less what the mechanic said.
I feel happier now.

 

[Amlocks]

took mine off over 100K miles ago after it kept on dropping off. All ok so far.

 

[Niall_G]

Mrs_G's Cargo still has it fitted although it has come loose on a couple of occations. The mounting holes have enlarged so it is now held back with some penny washers.

 

[Ulpian]

Same with mine; the holes just enlarged until it dropped down.

Binned now.

 

[johnhififan]

Just binned my middle section, was resonating badly having dropped around the washers and although I had a few attempts with bigger washers it seems once one goes they all go.

 

[Basemetal]

All mine have gone. But it's cold up here