A t-top car would benefit greatly from chassis connectors....all my friends in the US who have used connectors on their T-top cars attest to it.
These same style of connectors were used by National Coach Engineering when they built full  convertible 2nd gen cars late in the production run between 79-81.
The ones on my car are so tuff I actually use them as a convenient spot to place jack stands when I was replacing the re axle assembly...nice and solid.
Here you can see the full weight of the car sitting on the connectors....didn't even leave a mark, lol.

The only thing I notice on the left is a CAT stand...

Sorry Leigh....I just had to do it.

Thats the QA inspector subjecting my work to a CAT SCAN.....can't be too careful....

I hear you've got my friend's Galaxie in the workshop now.....hope you can track down his weird fuel delivery issue.

1977 Trans Am,

There are two different designs of Hurst Hatches that were available in 1977.  The first design Hurst Hatches were put in with philip screws underneath the headliner and the headliner is held up by the rubber of the weather seal, the second design Hurst Hatches were riveted into place under the headliner and the headliner is held up with two U-Shaped plastic pieces.    

The first design Hurst Hatches have weather seals readily available.  However the second design Hurst Hatches weather seals are no longer available so I wouldn't remove them as you'll never find weather seals for them as they are no longer made.  

Here is an article to help you understand the differences of the different designs of Hurst Hatches for the Trans Am Model. I hope this helps.  

http://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/ttops/junkhurst.htm

Hi hammer.

I didn't know they made 2 types that year. Mine was produced in April 1977.

I'll have to check out what type I have. Fingers crossed I've got the first type.

And the other issue is that time of manufacture doesn't mean is 1st or 2nd design....I'm told quite a few 1st design hatches were replaced under warrantee with 2nd design due to leaks.

I've checked mine out. The t-tops have a black frame around the glass as well as rubbers. As much as I can see I have the first design.

Please post a picture of them inside you car and of the Hurst Hatches and I will tell you which one you have just by the picture.  If that helps.  And as a very wise Leigh P posted the date is really irrelevant as the 2nd design was used to replace the 1st design.  

Hi hammer. I'm using the net from my Samsung phone and not sure how to upload pics. If anyone knows i would be more than happy to listen.