Bolts added to exterior of bed

[davem815]

Does anyone know what the (4) carriage bolts in the outside of the bed would be for? They look like they have been there for years.
There are two in each side, in the front two stake pockets. They are carriage bolts, with the head spaced away from the sheet metal by the thickness of the square on the bottom of the head. There is a nut on the inside of the bed pockets, just below the pocket bottom

Some kind of camper mount??? These are on a '66 GMC 3/4 ton longbed.

[Palf70Step]

That would be my guess, but truthfully no clue.

[Clyde65]

Back then they has T-like tie downs for our trucks, if they are closer to the cornea I would say that is what they are from but someone removed the t- shaped part and just filled the hole with a bolt

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Extra support for the stake pocket?

[60chevyjim]

on my 65 the stake pockets are broke loose and that would fix the problem but I don't like the look of the bolts like that .

[Vernski]

My 65 GMC had bolt holes from the side of the stake front to back, I think they were to hold the stake securely so the stake don't rattle in the pocket. Mine were drilled into the stake on the inside of the box as I said front to back and all six were drilled. I also don't think it came from the factory this way either.
You can always fill them and in your case or just paint over them. Just depends how much time and money you have, I don't think the smooth end of the carriage bolt looks to bad…Vernski

[davem815]

Thanks for the replies.
No knowing why there were installed, I will probably remove them and weld the holes. ( one bed side needs replaced, so I'm half way there either way) i tdon't want to be asked why they are there and not have a good answer. If I knew why they were there, I would be tempted to leave them.