Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirbelch
The shelf attaches to the towers with 10mm and 8mm bolts. If it was a load bearing piece, the bolts would be a lot thicker as would the shelf itself. The reason it is stiff, is the creases in it. If it wasn't for those, you could bend the shelf by hand.
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I've removed the metal shelf, and I know how it attaches (M8 x 4 & M6 x 5 = 9 bolts).
My point is that the shelf (or more properly, the under cowl cover) may be constructed to carry a heavier load than just the plastic center cowl cover. Honda chose not to stiffen the plastic cowl cover for some reason, the steel part definitely gets in the way when doing engine work, and it adds more weight than would appear to be necessary to only support the plastic trim piece. "The reason it is stiff" is because it was designed that way. The creases you mentioned do stiffen it, and it's anchored far more than is necessary to support the plastic trim, yet again implying that Honda put some importance on its rigidity. While not specifically a "load bearing piece", it may be wise to minimize whatever trimming is done to it.
Whether it stiffens the body or not is beyond me, but it certainly doesn't hurt to keep the under cowl cover as intact as possible.
DIY Tip: A soldering gun with a plastic cutting tip is very controllable, and leaves a smooth cut that requires minimal cleanup. I think one would work well for cutting the plastic cowl cover, but it might not be the right tool for the heavier, airbox plastic.