thank you sir !
i forgot about those being used with the rubber flap.
they are intended to keep dirt and junk from getting into the cavity under the forward fender top, therefore most definitely needed.
unfortunately, they can also trap dirt and moisture there, causing the fender to rot.
mine are in the trunk of my car with the rubber seals still attached. they were taken off because the part of the seal that touches the engine side of the driver's fender had collected enough junk over the years that there is a 1" square hole that needs repaired due to rust.