I did search for this subject, but I couldn't find anything relating to my two questions below.

I am starting to show a lot of wear in my top. It has seen a lot of cycles in hot and cold weather. I have pin holes over the drivers window and the typical tear over the passenger's right shoulder. I have a few patches now that are holding, but I am considering going ahead an replacing the top. I am looking at the two brands; EZ-On and Robbins.

Now on to my questions.
1. what is the purpose of the elastic bands? Mine are so dry rotted they have lost all of their elasticity, but the top still functions. Why couldn't I replace this with nylon webbing or something that will last longer than the elastic?
2. What purpose do the two plastic wings that are down on the side of the top? I understand that these wings are what cause the tear of the outside shoulders. Is there a mod to help reduce the stress these wings cause on the top?

 

The elastic straps near your head help move the center beam down as the top is closing. Without them the top will stick up a few inches higher when closed.

 

So you are saying that it has to be elastic? Or does it just have to be taut when the top is closed?

 

Has to be elastic in order for it to actually pull the bow back. If you dont do this your latch will put a hole in your new top in no time!

The wings are support/guides. Theres no mod i have herd of other than installing a polyester reenforced vinyl patch in the typical wear area before the top is installed to help keep it protected

 

Bummer and Bummer. Thanks for the info though.

Maybe that is why there is a whole in my top between to the two from bows since my elastic straps are sooo dry rotted. I am assuming that hole is from where the latch is wearing on the material.

When I do the new top install, I will be grinding the top edge of the frame above the windows. If you stick your finger up there, you will find that it is pretty sharp.

 

What keywords are you using? Don't overlook using a site restricted Google search if any forum site's search function isn't finding what you're looking for.

On the straps and top tears:
https://www.google.com/search?q=top+...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Not sure what plastic wings you're referring to off the top of my head. Several aftermarket tops have reinforcing at the typical wear spots. There's also the TSB for top wear.