they are "vibration dampeners" , added to convertibles after they had some vibration after first appearing in 67...you should also have them in the trunk... they are commonly called "cocktail shakers"....You can take them out, but dont get rid of them until you can tell how the car handles... hear of many saying they make no difference , but also the opposite... I have them in my 69 vert. wouldnt get rid of them , BUT if you do, you can get a pretty penny for them ,lots of people looking for those....which should tell you something...