I noticed a lot of indentations in the metal striker plate for the convertible top latches due to wear/use.
What I did was to take a piece of 3/8 by 3/8 inch black (I have a black top) Velcro and attache it to the striker plate...It also cuts down on the metal to meal noise when you latch the top and keeps the striker plate free of dings.
Larry

 

Get the TSB done. The replacement striker plates don't see to have that problem.

 

Are you sure there is a TSB on the 2002's.. ? If it was incorporated on the 2002's it didn't help mine.

 

I don't know if it covers your car. It involves replacing the strikeplates with the ones from the hardtop. It seems to solve the problem you describe. I'd check with the dealer.

That said, your idea is pretty clever.

 

I was not aware of this TSB ... is it for the '01's??