Hey guys. I'm stripping down my '95 1500 as I'm starting the process of converting it to a bobber. I have a quick question. Those little body panels on each side of the bike just under the seat that cover the fuses and stuff, are those necessary? I kind of like the way the bike looks without them on there. I notice they don't have any seals of anything to keep water out or anything like that, so I'm curious if you actually have to keep them on. Like, if it rains or if I drive through a puddle without them on, is the bike's electrical system going to short out? Does anyone else ride without them?

TL;DR - Are the body panels that covers the fuses required to protect anything from shorting out.