Rick, if I didn't know better I would probably have guessed it was plastic too..seeing how the rest of the wheelpant unfortunately is.
Anyway, the part you need is part #0743625-17 (1974 models and on). And for 71-73 models it's part# 0743625-15. Cover plate assembly. It's $76.50 (sheesh!) as listed
here [
parts123.com]
The 71-73 part lists for $116.44...
