Polyester Webbing Strap from Strapworks.com
$5.18 - 4' of 1" and 4' of 1.5" polyester seat belt strap from Strapworks.com (for NB soft top straps)
Although I've been unable to confirm that there is anything actually wrong with either the Kee top or the '99 NB soft top frame, all indications seem to be that my rear bow straps are too short for some inexplicable reason. After looking at a bunch of photos of other Miatas, I have decided to make some longer straps using polyester strapping.
The original straps appear to be 1.25" width, but I could only find the polyester stuff available in 1" or 1.5" width. I considered nylon, but it is too susceptible to UV damage and stretching. I considered polypropylene, but there seemed to be more potential for abrasion damage. The polyester webbing seems to combine the best features of the nylon and polypropylene. Since the material is very reasonably price and I'm not sure whether there would be any issues with using larger or smaller width material, I purchased the necessary length in both sizes.
Although I've been unable to confirm that there is anything actually wrong with either the Kee top or the '99 NB soft top frame, all indications seem to be that my rear bow straps are too short for some inexplicable reason. After looking at a bunch of photos of other Miatas, I have decided to make some longer straps using polyester strapping.
The original straps appear to be 1.25" width, but I could only find the polyester stuff available in 1" or 1.5" width. I considered nylon, but it is too susceptible to UV damage and stretching. I considered polypropylene, but there seemed to be more potential for abrasion damage. The polyester webbing seems to combine the best features of the nylon and polypropylene. Since the material is very reasonably price and I'm not sure whether there would be any issues with using larger or smaller width material, I purchased the necessary length in both sizes.