My strap on the passenger side has been torn since I got my '05 two years ago. I bought some replacement strap material but as others have said, it appears to require removing the top in order to replace/reattach the strap. I'm going to watch the video again made by ZERACER on replacing the top. (See the sticky on "Convertible Top Replacement Video".) I'm guessing that by removing only the front edge of the top, you might have access to the attachment point for the strap. Maybe folks who have replaced the top will chime in.

I just tuck the strap back into the top whenever I raise the top. I think the strap probably gives a smoother look to the exterior of the convertible top when it is correctly in place and taut. Otherwise, I can't see any additional wear from my broken strap. But I know I need to fix it.

There is also a string on the passenger side that has torn/broken loose. (I don't know if there's a similar string/cable on the driver's side.) But, that string/cable seems to be more critical to keeping the top from banging into the top of the windshield frame. I need to fix that, soon. At this time, I have to keep a hand on the leading edge of the top as it starts to go down. And when it's coming up, I need to have a hand up to catch it for a moment until the rear of the top is completely in the closed position. Anyone who can help me with that, I'd sure appreciate it.