Engine Air Box Melted

I have contacted a salvage yard in AZ, where members of the Mandalay group mentioned that there are a few salvage Mandalays.

2Hands - please read the original post, I stated what Mandalay said.

Brett - good idea as always, thanks for the idea, I will pursue it.
CA Traveler - good idea as well, but i think I would like something a bit more flame and melting resistant.

But the bigger questions for me is:
Do I really need an air box ?

It seems that it's sole purpose is to drain water out of the air intake system, when it rains.
But many RV's don't have this box, so is it necessary ?

Thanks