this cardboard panel under the front of my 4kq

[KMFDM969@aol.com]

	Hello, I recently purchased an 85 4000 Quattro, and its in really 
good condition, everything was kept really nice, the only thing I noticed is 
that there is some kind of rotting cardboard panel that covers the area under 
the front of the car, like in front of the axle a little bit, its ripped and 
hangs down a little bit... (i wish i could be more specific, but this is my 
first car purchase, i'm only 18 and this is the first time i've had a car of 
my own to maintain).
	can someone please tell me what this is, and if it is really that 
important to replace it? i was wondering if i could just kinda tack it back 
up, it doesnt seem really important, it looks to me like it just protects the 
underside of the car from the elements.

thanks
Jared Neff