Is this structural?

[piepermd]

I’m wondering if the crosspiece tube to which the rudder trim wheel is mounted provides needed structural support to the fuselage of my P-51 replica. I am installing a new panel and that tube needs to be removed to fit the correct instruments. The tube at right angles to the longerons can remain. The rudder trim wheel will be moved to a proper trim control pedestal, anyway. Here is a photo...

 

[Dana]

 

[pwood66889]

 

[Riggerrob]

 

[piepermd]

 

[wsimpso1]

 

[piepermd]

 

[mcrae0104]

 

[piepermd]

 

[Dana]

 

[piepermd]

 

[piepermd]