I'm working on a project that would be 'better' if I had more space to
work with behind the lower grill: my question refers to the vertical
bars that are welded between the bumper structure and the horizontal
reinforced panel mid-radiator height. If one were to cut these out,
would there be any concerns with strength of the nose in, say, a crash?
Has anyone here crashed a van hard enough in the nose to see what
benefit these bars supply? Thanks for you input. Please 'CC' me as I
don't get list mail currently.

Karl