What was the problem with the tank?
On older cars like mine, a rear-end collision and consequent forward movement of the fuel tank can cause it to be pierced by the handbrake mechanism (see photos). The plate is there as a reinforcement to prevent this from happening.
[Humour: ON]
But, with "an old car like yours", the rear end colision shouldn't be a issue, as the car which is following has better brakes!
[/Humour: OFF]
(more seriously, in the case of a rear-end colision with a 2 tons modern vehicle the possible hole in your tank will not be the worse of your problems regarding the body work...)
