I hate the 3 under the Tbar I usually end up taking the Tbar out, I've tried a ratchet ring spanner but it wont fit over the bolt head because the lip on the cover is too close to the bolt head, next time I'm there I will try raising the bolt head clear by using washers and see if that works.
I'm not sure the panel is structural I thought it's purpose was as a firewall between the engine and passenger compartment but even if this is true you would still need a good seal for it to work. The panel on my early TF clearly shows the holes for the engine bay bracing are an afterthought being drilled afterwards not punched during production, I presume MGR were using up old stock MGF panels. This made me think that if the MGF panel didn't need those 2 bolts to fulfil it's purpose why don't I enlarge the holes to fit over the bolt heads on the bracing so saving having to remove/replace 2 bolts every time.

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