Each end of that strap is made of an elastic material to keep it taut as the top goes up and down. When we replaced the top on the blue roadster I sourced the strapping and the elastic strap and had an upholstery shop make new ones for me. The elastic on each end of the original straps was all rotted out. That is probably why the strap in the photo is hanging loose. Replacement straps (pads) are available at TopsOnline.com. The top fabric has to be off to replace them.