Mystery Rivet Nuts in Rear Hatch area

[DaveCruises]

So I'm getting prepped for paint and came across these rivet nuts that a PO installed in the tailgate jam into the tail light cavity. What could these have been for?? It's an 87 FJ60. Same location on the passenger side not shown. They are english threads and rusting. There were 1.25" screws installed in all of them, but they weren't holding anything on.
Deciding if I should drill them out and weld the hole before paint. Thanks!

 

[GeologistFelix]

I bet it was for something like a CB antenna mount. I think your plan to drill them out and weld the holes over seems good.

 

[aviafx]

Maybe this is too far out there, but a rigid cargo barrier that could bolt to those and stretch across the tailgate, increasing the length of which something could be carried in the back?

 

[AussieCruiser62]

Possibly mounting points for tail light guards???
I vote to get rid of em also

 

[RredFJ40]

Are you doing an Uber-resto? Personally, I would clean them and just paint them. Can’t really be seen with tailgate closed and drilling out, welding up, and the associated body work to make it look clean and not rust down the road seems like overkill.
Just my $.02.

 

[DaveCruises]

Thanks for the replies. To me, the tail light guards seems most likely. Doesn’t really matter much, was just curious!

I’m doing a pretty significant restoration, not sure how it stacks up in the grand scheme of restorations as it’s my first one.

A lot more than just a re-spray. Already been welding on the body and will be skim coating exterior surfaces with body filler. Doors have been stripped, all glass is out. These four spots are a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme