I got this response on the otherwise unhelpful FB site.

"yes, the nose section bolts to the flange on the frame spreader bar. Stability comes from the fact that the nose is bolted to the inner fenders on its vertical edges then the fenders bolt to the body, the top of the inner fenders and the nose. So, the structural integrity comes from the union of all five parts (nose, two inner fenders, two fenders)."

and from me:

"Thank you. I though I might be missing a connector piece somewhere. I still think this would put mechanical stress on the radiator, but it lasted 50 years so who am I to argue? Then again, old metal can weaken and it' won't hurt to apply a little support."
--
MPergiel, Walker, MI