the two companies i spoke with today said the same thing. "there is nothing in this world that will protect a vinyl top aside from a cover or a shade". "if you want to give the top a shine, spray some pledge on a rag and wipe the top".

damn 303!

 

one of the guys that saw my car said the tears is not coming from L-shaped hinge but horizontal bar running across the roof. i noticed a few owners placing a velcro on the L-shaped hinge.

 

You could probably fabricate something to cover the hinges from Michael's, Walmart or even the dollar store. You could also iron a patch onto the under side of the roof after you complete your repairs.

 

I heard that the velcro strap on the bar can cause the top to stretch out even tighter and cause more wear. I've only heard one person say it so I don't know...

That's a good idea, I'd try that before trying the velcro strap. But I'd use Tear-Aid instead of the iron-on patch. I tried the iron on and it's hard to apply solid, even pressure to all areas of the patch with a hot iron (upside-down, sitting in the drivers seat looking straight up). The Tear Aid is stickier, more pliable, no hot iron needed and it stretches so it is very hard to pull off. And you'll be able to see the Tear-Aid wearing out and replace it before it can damage the top.