Afternoon project? 1973+ bumper reinforcment removal for weight reduction...worth it?

If I recall, that chunk of steel weighed about 40 pounds. It just bolts into place so the physical removal is not difficult. The only problem with removing it is the big gap it will leave between the bumper and the grill. I was considering using a piece of aluminum to replace it. I expect this is a 73 only piece as they had the impact bumpers starting in 74.