A lot of this has been discussed several years ago and you can do a search to find it if you wish to read the entire discussion but here is a quick regurgitation.
The side glass is adjustable for travel (up), and cant (inward lean). There are ports in the bottom of the door that will give access to the adjustments. There are various manuals around that will show the procedure. Or you can find pictures and instructions in the above referenced threads. Suffice it to say that a poorly adjusted window will come in contact with the canvas and will wear a hole in the canvas material if not adjusted properly.
The hinge above the windows on each side are a source of problems as well. the top slides in the rear folding portion. When the track becomes resistant to sliding, the top will not slide forward into place properly and will become trapped in the hinge point, which will also wear or cut a hole in the top from the inside out.
The forward edge of the folding hinge has a metal plate that is designed to aid in the sliding action and close the joint at the fold. This plate is coated in plastic to enhance sliding action and retained with a single screw. If the screw becomes loose, the plate can rotate and / or chatter when closing, becoming a source of increased wear. There are several good instructions for repairing this issue.
When stowed in the trunk, the top is designed to hold the glass rear window firmly against the Mayan Temple. The down force is provided at the ends of the top by the two rubber feet, one on each side of the trunk, and in the center by the trunk lid liner. There is a groove there that captures the rib on the top and holds it in place.
The rubber feet will over time rub a smooth spot on each side of the top. Worst case the rubber feet will fail and wear a hole in the top.
On some cars, the folded top will rub against the side wall of the trunk on each side which can and will wear out the canvas prematurely.
It is essential that you maintain the top to assure its long life. Regular treatment of the rubber seals, lubrication of the moving parts, adjustment of the window and top tension along with treating the top regularly will go a long way to making the top last a long time.
We have two cars, one with a black top and one with a tan top. Both have been garaged kept but driven regularly. Both tops show no signs of wear and look the same as when they came out of the factory.
The key to long top life is keep everything adjusted and lubed, and protect the top from preventable wear sources.:grouphug:
Many of us have them.
