I started to take off the leaking soft top I had on my car and is about to install an EZ-On top (glass conversion). I noticed that the two OEM straps between bow 1 and bow 2 are missing. I think the previous owner had the top replaced before and the guy that installed it just cut them off. I'm guessing they're just two elastic straps but I'm wondering if anybody knows what length I need to make them and how much tension need to be on them.

 

http://www.modifry.com/products/ctf/index.htm

 

Looks good. I guess I'll make something similar since I want to get my car back on the road asap. I'll probably use the rivet place since I've already drill out the rivets.

Does anybody know roughly how much tension should be on the strap when the top is closed?

 

Just order the straps and manually push that bar up and down until you get them. You'll screw up your new top if the straps aren't right.

 

Assuming the top the dealer just put on is installed correctly (I have no reason to think it's not) the stock strips are just stretched taught. As in maybe 1/4 inch stretched past the resting length. So get them taught (no slack) and then go another 1/4 inch. This of course is with the stock straps, which different elastic strips will have different stretching properties.

I agree with dammitjim, push it back with your hand until you can get good straps. Mine were shot and loose, and that is what I did for a few months. Just watch your fingers, if the wind screen is down, I would pinch my fingers between it and then bar. Man does that hurt!