Straps on Rear Hoop for Soft Top with glass window

[Paul Murray]

I have recently had my soft top with glass window replaced. The replacement was an E-Z ON AUTO TOPS made in USA. There is a strap attached by a dome to either corner of the rear hoop. One end of the strap is stitched to inside of the zip stitching on the window, the strap goes across the zip and the other end is secured by a dome to the rear hoop. The upholsterer recommended that I leave the top up for 2 weeks to stretch and settle, I have a week to go. Are these straps to support the weight of the glass and they would need to be undomed to unzip the window. Would appreciate some feedback on these.
The top is fabulous and has tightend up what was a noisey and loose frame with the old top in place. The old top had shrunk especially in width and exposed the window rubbers which on occasion had let a little water inside. The new top's side edge extends further and provides great weather protection over the window rubber, there has been no water ingress despite the car being out in some heavy downpours.

[GEEMCB]

Hi, Paul

I installed a zipperless glass-windowed top from Duetto Motors in the US. Ditto re great result - I'm delighted.

It also has straps, the purpose of which is to correctly locate the rear-most hoop on the NA frame. They run from the rain rail to the rear-most hoop & also between the rear-most & middle hoops. My straps are permanently rivetted in place. Nothing aside from the surrounding fabric supports the window.

I was also advised to leave the top up for a couple of days, though mine stretched & settled into position quite quickly. Did the install myself too, which was fun.

Don't know if that helps .......

Regards,

[Paul Murray]

Hi Greg, thanks for your input. I replaced the vinyl with a glass window in my original top, vision was great but it was heavier to manage when unzipping. Your fixed glass makes for an easier job of it, good on you for having a go installing it yourself. Maybe other club members who have the same top with glass and the straps as I do can give me a steer in the right direction.