Congrats! - That a sweet little car.

If you intend to keep the car for any length of time, I'd be removing that checkerplate. I know you probably aren't going to want to hear this, but I think it's been installed to cover rust or poor quality rust repairs.

Fortunately, all USDM panel parts are fundamentally the same, so (even basically the whole tub) so repairing rust properly isn't really going to be too hard.

The reason I say this is that the amount of coverage around the rear is far more than any commercially available checkerplate panelling I've seen, but critically, it runs right to the bottom edge of the wheel arch, whilst it doesn't at the front. My call is that this is to cover rust, as this area is prone.

Likewise, the windscreen frame is prone to rust in the area the checker plate has been applied and I can't see any other reason to install plate there.

I do like the idea of plating the front corners as this area is very vulnerable to damage.

Why anyone would cover the cabin air inlet is beyond me. It's probably because the drains became blocked and leaked water into the floor. I don't know what the climate is like where you live, but I'd rate a functional heater up there as a desirable item.

In any case, even if you put some of the plate back, I'd want to know what's under it. The car has pretty fresh paint and that plate looks pretty new too (much newer than the car) so it's unlikely it's a JDM accessory fitted years ago (it's also not really JDM style)

I can also see extended shackles with what look to be standard springs. This reduces caster in the front suspension and degrades handling and steering response. I also see small wheel spacers. As the tyres fitted will clear the guards without them, I assume they've been fitted for cosmetic reasons. I'd probably remove them or at least check them very carefully for condition.

Steve.