the heat shield on my fab has started to rattle and i was wondering is it really that important as it is just a very thin piece of metal? i ask this question as it is probobly easier to remove it than trying to fix it!

I'd say it's quite important to keep heat away from the fuel tank for example

Which heat shield?

it is under the middle of the car in between the 2 front seats! its not near the fuel tank or anything like that.

A manufacturer wont fit something like that if he dosent have to so bear that in mind before you rip it off

i also have a seat arosa which had the same problem and that heat shield was takin off and there has never been any problems that is why i ask the question as it doesnt really seem to do anything

check if the spring washers (I'm not sure if that is the correct name for them) are pushed up fully. They (can) come loose fairly easy.