Wheel Pants

You would have to have a logbook entry and a weight and balance update done, that can be done by a A&P.

I recently purchased a 415C that came equipped with what appears to be Kenny Engineering wheel pants.  Since the 73" McCauley prop only has less than 1/2" clearance, I am considering removing all three of the wheel pants and saving myself about 12 or 13 pounds.  Since they were installed with an STC, do I need to have an A&P or IA sign off the removal?  Also, I understand they don't alter the performance of the airplane.  Is that true?  Sure look pretty, but I don't need a prop strike on a wheel pant.