Hot Rods Flathead Starter Band Clamp

There is a big band clamp on the front of my '48 starter, in the way of the chrome dress-up cover I want to put on. Why is it there, and do I need it?

 

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It covers your brushes.

 

When I had my stater rebuilt locally they fabbed up a cheap replacement cover. Where I can get a proper part?

 

I’d like a shiny new one as well.

 

On the other hand, this new chrome cover will do the same thing I suppose.

 

Just get a bit of 2” wide s/s and bend two 90 degrees in the ends for the clamp bolt and you are done , simple . It is needed to keep dirt etc out of the brushes.