Rolled Up Paper Inserts in '76C Upper Pilot Box

[YL82]

Upon removing the upper pilot box from my '76C, I found thick-stock paper (?) coiled up inside each of the 3 cavities (for 2 turn signal bulbs and 1 brake lining indicator bulb).

I assume these serve as a heat-shield to keep plastic from heating up? I'm guessing though.

Do I need to keep them in there assuming they serve some useful purpose?

 

[nj1639]

The tachs and speedos that I've modded have metal tubing in the light sockets......I figure to isolate the glow to their respective positions.....

 

[YL82]

So they help channel the light from bulbs to the colored lenses? Makes perfect sense....

Thanks.