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Carl Beck's response is right on. From what I know, the raised deck was added to accomodate the mounting of the new federal spec bumpers which debuted in 1977. The new bumper height requirements and clearance for the bumber mounts and shocks necessitated the raised deck. The interior mod was handled as a running change involving the additional spacers and initially, a molded upswept fiberboard deck, which covered the tailight housings and was an easy fix for starters. By mid year (April '77) the new molds were ready for production and a plastic interior taillight trim piece was added to allow the return of a flat loading floor space with additional storage volume. At that time, MG addressed the issue by introducing their infamous rubber nose models. Bumper height requirements were met by simply raising the ground clearance of the car. Not the best for handling but a quick fix.

The best product I've used for this problem is called bare metal foil and it is available on line at bare-metal.com. Choose the ultra brite chrome as it is the best match for the door panels. The product is an ultra thin adhesive metal foil used primarily for model building. It's relatively easy to apply and burnish using an exacto knife and plastic/nylon burnish tool. Good Luck!

3M "77" is good but 3M also makes a Super Trim Adhesive which is better for headliners, heavy fabrics or underhood insulation in high heat locations. Usually available at most body shop suppliers and sometimes at Advance Auto or Autozone. Also John Deere make a heat resistant spray Headliner and Trim Adhesive available at most John Deere dealers. I've used this on my '77 Z for years on headliner, trim pieces, emblems and weather strip. It works great.

I have the MSA in my all stock '77. Quality was pretty good and the thick felt backing was great as sound insulation. I was disappointed however that it is not complete OEM style. The whiplash borders are not as stock and there is no vinyl reinforcement sewn around the cutouts for the luggage straps or thumbscrews. Just a hole cut in the carpet. Also, the pile is not as long as the original. I have had it in the car for two years with no fading or problems. This year I'm planning to dye the original carpet with SEM Fabric paint and reinstall. I've used similar products on the seatwell carpets and the results were amazing.