Removing disk backing plates

[Scott]

As part of my complete rear end re-furbish (OK, so it was a case of 'while I'm at it') I was looking at the dust shield/backing plates on the rear discs and decided I would rather leave them off when I put it all back together.

I know it is needed to hold the handbrake shoes, so I was going to leave these bits in but cut the rest away.  Has anyone bothered to do this?

Are there any huge downsides I'm not thinking of?  

Also, I was sure there was a thread a while back with a few good shots of peoples rears :v but now I can't find it.

For the record, the car is a 73 model.
And yes, I have takes many pics, and will continue to take more.

[77CVT]

Brake dust everywhere??

[69 DIRTY RAT]

Is there a particular reason you dont want to put it back on? You cant see it through the wheel anyway and does keep brake dust at bay. It just seems a hassle to cut bits when there is no need????

[Scott]

The backing plates are a little bent from who knows what.  I could probably just try straighten them out a little.  Didn't think about brake dust, so there is another factor.
Thanks.