Hi Bob
Yup that bar and the one behind the radiator on the Pattern 12 I think had to be added to keep the front fenders flexing and trying to tear the radiator apart.
Do the Pat 11 have this bar as well?
Ever notice that the screens on all the Chevy Pat 11 & 12 are concave, wonder if they were built that way or just got the way the first time a mechanic climbed up and rested is knee on the brush guard to look under the hood? Your knee just naturally goes to that spot.
Cheers Phil