Yep, thats stock...pretty good design...If your intent was to rust the truck out.

 

Is that something only from the poptop era?  None of my '80s models have had anything like that.  What is it's purpose?

 

Yes it's a pop top era thing only.

They are stock and I still have not figured out what they are for. 

 

I bet they're intended to reinforce the overall body for when the top is off...maybe like a 'subframe connector'..?...maybe?? 

 

Good point, the body would need a little more reinforcement to prevent flexing.  I imagine that they are there to help keep the twisting to a minimum.

 

Good point, the body would need a little more reinforcement to prevent flexing. I imagine that they are there to help keep the twisting to a minimum.

I bet they're intended to reinforce the overall body for when the top is off...maybe like a 'subframe connector'..?...maybe??

That is a good point. maybe........

 

Is that something only from the poptop era? None of my '80s models have had anything like that. What is it's purpose?

I was thinking the same thing. I've owned a '86 and two '87's and they didn't have these. Well, for restoration purposes and being that this truck will not see heavy duty offroad use they will get cut out (carefully) to take care of any rust that might be lurking in there.

 

I bet they're intended to reinforce the overall body for when the top is off...maybe like a 'subframe connector'..?...maybe??

Exactly right. Try taking the top off one with those boxes rusted out, and you will quickly see what they do.

 

Ok, now I'm reconsidering cutting those out. Might not be the best idea.........

 

Weird. I've never seen that before. My '76 RC and a friends '75 RC doesn't have them. I guess that doesn't mean that they were never there, and just removed at some time. Perhaps they just rusted and fell off!? 

 

I just thought it was optional equipment for drug runners.  Makes sense with the reinforcement - mine doesn't have it and I don't recall seeing it on my 77 either.  Hinky.

 

Ok, now I'm reconsidering cutting those out. Might not be the best idea.........

Yeah Chuck, might not. LOL

 

there isnt one on my trailduster

 

I vote .. cut them out, fix rust, replace with an interior access panel and poof tool storage.

 

My '76 Ramcharger has them, and so does the '79 (i think it was a '79) Trailduster Tub that I bought to restore my '76 RC

They're a structural reinforcement for the Pop-Top RC's/TD's, factory. The only time I haven't seen them, is if they've rusted away.

 

I vote .. cut them out, fix rust, replace with an interior access panel and poof tool storage.

Storage, like that idea. built in coolers, gun storage, tools.... Possiblities are limitless. I'm on it.

 

My 79 has them, and if I remember correctly, they did seem to rust out rather quickly.

 

My 79 has them and my 78 did not. The 78 Was Arizona perfect, No rust at all.

 

My 79 has them and my 78 did not.

I wonder why that is? I'd like to see photos of what it looks like under there without them

 

Here is one from a 77.

 

My 80 has the boxes to. mine are pretty rusty inside. water sits in the boxes and rots them.