Radiator Question

I was hung up on some rocks last weekend, and a steel band let go between the radiator and the fan. I shut it down, cut the band, pulled out what was left of it, and proceded on. My question is what the heck was the band, and do I need to replace it with something. If it helps the radiator is a GDI 3-core.

I know the band you are talking about. I just replaced the stock unit with an open system and they both had the bands running vertically at 2 locations. Not sure what they are, but they may very well have a lot to do with keeping it all together prior to installation. Not sure if they do much after it's all put in there. I don't want to mislead you and give you the idea that they aren't needed. Just that I don't know what function they could serve at this point.

-Rich