Is everyone here using patches as perventive maintanance? I have a small hole STARTING to develop on the passanger side from the metal bar..and I am scared to put my top up and down in fear it will get bigger.

Is there anything else that can be done in addition to adding these patches from the inside "wear" spots?

Forgive me if this has been asked already.

 

I had some "wear" marks by that passenger side back corner where the top meets the flat bend in the bar that slides back and forward as the top is lowered/raised. As it turned out, there was a semi-sharp spur that was on the metal bar. I sanded it smooth with some 1000 grit sandpaper then polished the bar with some metal polish. Hopefully this will prevent further wear in that spot.

 

Cool, I have felt around a bit seemed smooth as far as I can tell.. but I will definately check it out better now that you mentioned this.

 

This was the TSB that I followed

This is a link to the TSB that I followed when I performed my repair. Luckly, I read this before it tore.

 

The lock handle tore my top about halfway through the downward motion a year ago. Really unfortunate, and there was nothing I could do to prevent it except for purchasing the modifry straps (which I didnt - every other time the top went down fully, to the correct position inside the tray)

 

Did you forget to relatch them before putting the top down?
I always relatch them before putting the top down.

Do modifry straps help with the ripping as well or only if the top doesnt fold down completely?

 

There are MANY existing threads on this. I'm using patches and trying out the chainstay protectors. Most threads I've run across seem to indicate that you'll eventually replace the top if you already have a hole forming. Good luck with it.

The latter. Unless that's causing ripping.

 

I've read all of the preventative measures and applied them to my top and STILL it ripped. Sometimes it's just old age (mine is an '02), with sun, rain, snow, it just becomes brittle after a while.

 

ductape on the latches contact point.
grinding the frame and putting bycicle chain protector over it.

 

I tried searching, but was not that successful. Can you please link me to a few things.