Traveller rear panel

[PeterCat]

I'm not having much success with the photo so will try to explain this.
I inherited my traveller with the rear removed so it is something of a puzzle working out where everything goes!
The very rear panel, which runs across the width of the car is a bit rusty especially at the ends. I think that this strip just protects ( rather than supports the rear wood work) I think I can just cut out the worst bits and weld bits in and just treat and protect the rest.
Any advice please!?

[panky]

It's a substantial panel and it does support the rear frame by the two corner brackets and the recessed section on the edge but if there's enough good metal to weld to then go for it, but you don't want a saggy rear end in a couple of years