Soft top elastic strips

[Ricardo]

Can anyone tell me if the strips of elastic that sit on top of the canvas webbing joining the softop frames, should be put on stretched or relaxed? Should they only run between the second and third bows?Any idea's what they are there for?
They kind of look like an afterthought, and I'm guessing they are supposed to stop the top from thrumming at speed?

[waltklatt]

Ricardo,
These elestic rubber strips also eludes me, but they run the length of the canves strap.  Think they are to aid in the rigidity of the canvas at speed(like you said) and to help in the stowage of the top.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL-diesel
1963 230SL-gas

[Ricardo]

Well I think I figured this one out and you were part right too Walter....The first bow from the windshield has to pivot back approx. 2" when lowering the top to store in the compartment. There are two short arms on this bow and it swings just enough as the front section is folding back to keep the canvas from being too tight.
So the elastic strips are actually pulling this swing bow and therefore need to be installed stretched when the top is fully open.
I have an early style soft top, but I suspect it's the same for all of them. My strips only run from the first to the second bow.
I should be able to finish the canvas install today and I'm looking forward to a tan top instead of black.