I have an '02 S and I have been battling with the tears on my soft top for months now. I have taken care of the rear passenger side tear, but the passenger side tear (right above the passenger window) continues to grow. I have tried using a patch and a rubber sealant as well as a vinyl sealant and none of them held up. It is mainly because the tear is caused by the spot where the top folds So would new oem elastic straps solve my problems and allow the soft top to fold properly or slow the tear's growth? Also has anyone else tried this with good results? Thanks!

 

These are good http://www.modifry.com/products/ctf/index.htm

 

+1 on the Modifry. Way easier than trying to rivit OEM straps.

 

do they actually help slow down the passenger side tear above the door though?

 

I dunno about slowing down a current tear but I feel like modifry's straps provide a little better buffer between the bar and the top. I have been using them for some time now and still have yet to get a tear on my 03