[Amps] 8877 Socket Ring

[Jim W7RY]

I have noticed that even though the 8877 socket mounted on an aluminum chassis, folks still install the gold colored aluminum socket "ring" with the square opening on the chassis as well. (Take a look at the WD7S site for lots of 8877 photos).

I simply mounted the socket with the standoffs and the grid finger stock directly to the my aluminum chassis. Should I mount the gold colored ring too?

What was the gold colored ring originally for and why is it there?  

Thanks!
73
Jim W7RY