Early 4k F disc brake splash shields

[Alan Kramer <ackramer@hotmail.com>]

Hi all,
    Today driving my 4k in a lovely ice storm Maryland was hit with this
morning, someone's abandoned tire chain decided to wrap itself somehow
(I'm still trying to figure that out...) around my RF tie rod and in the
process seriously disfigured the brake "splash shield," causing it to
rub in places against the disc.  Can this be removed easily w/o removing
the disc?  As I was un-wrapping the chain while laying on my back on the
side of the road in slush, I didn't look for the mounting bolts...
...and I'm not too enthusiastic to spend too much time out in the ice
trying to figure it out, 'cause I'm not lucky enough to have a garage!

Also, do you think would the removal of the shield affect brake
performance that much???

If anyone knows, I'd greatly appreciate it!

TIA,
Alan

'81 4k/4E  300k mi.
'83 CGT  180k mi.