86 Shortbed Question

[11555wally]

Just getting ready to drop the fuel tank and noticed a tin or aluminum shield that appears to connect to the top of the frame on the drivers side and is roughly 13" wide by 30" long and runs along side the automatic transmission and is almost up to the floor. There is not one on the passenger side. Wondering what it is for. I also have a plastic shield covering the full length of the fuel tank which I have asked about before and got a good response. Question is if I take the 8 bolts off of the frame to fuel tank brackets and remove the 3 gas lines will the tank come down with the shield on it? The shield looks like it is held on with bolts to the fuel tank straps and one bolt to the frame. Thanks for helping a newbie.