Please help an old man out. Getting in the the car the other day and this thing plopped down beside me on the seat. From the trajectory, it seems like it must have come from above me, but I'm no CSI

I've got a 2000 w/ OEM hardtop

Gracias.

bolt

 

Holy cow, joined in 2000, and only 193 posts? That's awesome haha. Ultimate lurker.

Anyway, it looks to me like it is one of the secure points for the factory tonneau cover., located just above the fuel door release.
Here's a few pictures I took to show you exactly where it's located at (easier to show than to explain)

It's pretty common for them to come lose. I ended up using silicone to keep mine in place.
If you look on the passenger side, there's one in the exact same spot; there are also five or so behind the seats, where you would attach the factory tonneau cover

 

Thanks, much gentlemen! My tonneau cover is still in the plastic wrap in the attic, so guess I don't need this.

 

No, put it back in now before you lose it. Someday you will be glad you did.

 

on my 2003 there was a bolt behind it to secure it to the plastic panel. it is really easy to refit- just pull the trim and the panel out a bit to get your fingers in there with the bolt. then tighten it down.

easy, breezy.

darcy