I noticed the remains of those gaskets on my rear wheels last week (54 Chevy Bel Air). After some digging, I found them listed as 'Rear Wheel Oil Deflection Gaskets'.
They obviously aren't required, and their purpose is a little unclear to me.
The 'Oil Deflection' makes me wonder, whould this help 'wick' any bearing lube that leaks - out and toward the Wheel rim inner? Just a guess.
