Top straps

[JThw8]

Ok, Im making out preliminary parts lists and checking out prices and one of my items is new top straps.

Good grief, how can 2 pieces of plastic cost so much?!? Am I missing something?

Aside from closing up the gap in the soft top, what other purpose do they serve? Has anyone come up with some cheaper DIY alternatives? For that price Im just as inclined to spring for the double bubble hard top and just use that, or make my own.

Just getting some sticker shock I guess...

[Warren Horby]

I just got my top re done and I am working on a cheaper strap alternative.
Yes those straps are not cheap and they will break again if you leave the car outside all the time. Those straps help seal the top as well as they are suposed to give the car a "finnished" look when the top is pulled back.
I guess the moulding is supposed to look ugly when you see it.
I am working on a different strap material and if it works they will be peanuts compaired to what is available now.
I will keep every one posted if it works and have pics to show.

[DJ]

FWIW, the newest version of the straps use a much better material now (hytrel?) and are guaranteed by the maker for life. The individual who makes them has told me personnaly that he will replace them if they EVER break.

[Warren Horby]

Those are Chad's arn't they?
He told me the reason why the straps are so expensive is because of the cost of the mould. If it wern't for that they would be cheap.
Chad does have alot of nice stuff but alot of it is too ritch for my blood.

[DJ]

Actually made by another member here at Lancisti. Not sure if he wants the public fame, though so I'll see if he's monitoring these posts and responds himself.

[Warren Horby]

Cool,
I hope he does, why reinvent the wheel.