The factory did not use any seam sealer or tar. The bottom end of the support was spot welded to the floor pan flange. The top end of the support was spot welded to that brace that runs along the back of the cab and attaches to the door frames. The supports were attached before the sheet metal back of the cab was installed. I would reattach them by plug welding them where the spot welds used to be.
Ok now its starting to make sense. It looks as if I have one hell of a problem. The support in question is not long enough for me to weld it back the the floor pan. I think what has happened is someone before me, cut the bottom of the support loose to try and do some body work on the back of the cab. I guess my best bet is to place some kind of blocking in front of the support on the floor and try and weld it to the floor.