Brake Line Metal Protectors (i.e. Spring)

I'm in the process of cleaning up my bike and I'm about to start reassembling the brakes. Just noticing though that the spring like contraption that runs the length of the brake hose and protects them are all rusted and horrible looking. I'm wondering if they are totally necessary? If they are I will have to try and do something with them, but if not I'll just cut them off.

Thanks

Really all they do is prevent small stones from cutting the rubber. It's minimul protection, braided lines would offer 100% more....

they are not needed, just remove them.you can grab the end and pull and it will un coil .don't pull fast or they can cutt into the rubber.coat with wd40 to help.

Excellent to hear because I don't think there was much I could do to make them look decent.

Thanks for your help.