Understanding Your Convertible Top
A 
convertible top is either power or manual, which means you either push a button or put your top up or down by hand. Most power tops operate with a hydraulic system
powered by a small motor and hydraulic lift cylinders called rams. Replacement component parts are readily available if they fail, although they may
be rebuilt for less than replacement cost.
There are two types of convertible top materials, vinyl or cloth. Either will last about ten years under normal conditions (see Care Tips for more details).
Windows are either glass or 40-gauge clear vinyl (plastic).
A plastic window lasts approximately 60% of the life of the top and can be replaced with either the standard clear vinyl or a much tougher and durable scratch-resistant clear vinyl.
A glass window should be replaced when the surrounding vinyl top to which it is bound deteriorates or fails (or obviously, when it is broken).
The top material below the rear window is called a window skirt. If it becomes damaged or its bond to the window fails, the skirt can be re-bonded or replaced.
(Most shops can't do this kind of repair, though.)
Convertible top pads are 6-8 inch-wide strips visible from inside the car. They run from just above the visors to the rear bow above the window.
Their function is to hide the top center deck seams from view and hold the convertible top frame mid-bows in place, as well as to provide support to the top.