Hey folks...

Got a couple questions. My new to me Sammi, has a (smittybuilt) soft top that seems to be missing some parts (I noticed when I took it down for the first time).  I hear most of you calling them "tension straps". I have none... but it doesn't seem to effect it any. I also don't have anything to hold the back 'window' up if I undo the zippers. Anyone have a picture of the tension strap, and where/how they connect??

Also, I'll be building a full interior roll cage, front to back. I was wondering if anyone has, or knows if I could eliminate the "bow" and use the rear portion of the cage to support the soft-top. And if it would/wouldn't cause issues with tension or fitment of the soft-top.  Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

This should answer your questions concerning your top, bows, cinch straps etc.

http://www.bestop.com/installation_guides/51361.pdf

As for your rollbar question.... sure you could incorporate this to replace your bow. After all the bow does nothing more than provide support to the top in its up position.

If your top has snaps in the upper rear crease I would suggest  that you place the mating snaps in the rollbar as well. Your cinch straps will still attach to the top and the 2 rear corners of your Samurai as indicated in the above link.

                                                                                                      Tux...

That link helps somewhat....
I don't have curtain straps (at all), OR the tension strap ends that go down to the body...  and the top's snaps (up near the corners) were never attached to the bow that I could tell.

What's the purpose of the tension strap, exactly?  (I'd know if I had them and could see what they do when tightened)... and I know they provide tension, but where, which direction or for what?

ALSO, best place to buy a snap/lift-a-dot kit?  I see low-range has them for $65/set (ouch!)

EDIT: Never mind... found'em here; http://www.defender.com/
... I bet my local Westmarine has them too! I'll be replacing all of mine, so it's nice to know where to get'em

Try this: http://www.smittybilt.com/docs/installation/98615.pdf

The purpose of the tension straps are to pull the rear corners taunt and draw the material tight towards the rear corner. The tension is basically straight down. My previous Bestop tension straps were gone when I purchased the vehicle. I utilized elastic tie down straps in their place. I hooked the top of the bow in each corner prior to the bend attaching the opposite end to the brackets that are or should be located in each rear corner a few inches down on the body along the outer tailgate area.

This did what the tension straps were intended to do without much problem.... Hope that helps you to better understand.

                                                           Tux...