Most of the reason why this seal needs replacing is that the soft top material rubs on the rubber whenever the top is being lowered and raised, quickly destroying that section of the seal. Once you have replaced the seal, take the time to fabricate a pair of plastic "guides" to ease the soft top material by the rubber seal without damaging either it or the top material itself. I use two large heavy duty zip-lock bags for this purpose, others make something out of gallon milk jugs - it doesn't matter how pretty the "guides" are, just that they are effective! They can be stored in the empty compartment when the top is up and folded over the top frame on each side before closing the lid when the top is stowed.
