It is one piece of aluminum, cut on a band saw and bent/drilled by hand. No welding.
You can actually roll up and stuff some aluminum foil in-between the space, just make sure
it won't blow out.
I never changed out the stock fuse..
BTW, even with a front "fender extender", you could see slightly damaged paint on the bottom of the bracket so the front wheel is throwing crap up there..
I'd suggest a fender extender (glued, not bolted) for additional protection. Painted black, it looks pretty stock and works good..