Strut Top / what is this piece?

[bossrobot]

I see this round piece of aluminum looking metal that is mounted on the top of the strut tower here in this photo.
What is this piece and do I need it ? It is not, was not on either of the coupes I have had.
Thanks
Johnny

 

[Stevehose]

It is the old DOT spacer that used to be on the inside of the strut tower to raise the front of the car for headlight height regulations. They were removed to lower the car back down and instead of cutting the bolts were put on top.

 

[jmackro]

I see this round piece of aluminum looking metal that is mounted on the top of the strut tower here in this photo. What is this piece and do I need it ?

Just expanding on what Stevehose wrote:

You don't need those spacers, but as Steve wrote, if you remove them, you'll have to shorten the strut studs to get the acorn nuts to tighten down. Or use plain nuts, which will look ugly.

No one is going to call out your car for being non-original because its struts are set-up this way. Pretty much all coupes received this minor modification back in the day, making me wonder if the dealers made the change prior to delivery.

 

[Thomas76]

That makes perfect sense! But had no idea that's what they are for, thanks!