leaking top

I have a 1998 eclipse spyder. The top leaks in many places. I know i have to replace the weatherstripping around the windshield and side windows. The real problem i have is the top itself. as the years have gone on i have noticed bits to chunks of this black woven looking material fall off the top from the inside. I am assuming its the water protective coating on the canvas that keeps the water out. i can see light through the top of the car when i remove the underlining so i know water is getting in the car from these spots. I know replacing the top is the best (and most expensive) way to fix this issue but does anyone know of a way to fix it with out having to replace the whole top?

I have a 1998 eclipse spyder. The top leaks in many places. I know i have to replace the weatherstripping around the windshield and side windows. The real problem i have is the top itself. as the years have gone on i have noticed bits to chunks of this black woven looking material fall off the top from the inside. I am assuming its the water protective coating on the canvas that keeps the water out. i can see light through the top of the car when i remove the underlining so i know water is getting in the car from these spots. I know replacing the top is the best (and most expensive) way to fix this issue but does anyone know of a way to fix it with out having to replace the whole top?

For something like that replacing the top is going to be the best. I guess you could take some kind of sealant and put on the inside of the top, but it would just be a temp fix. This is literally the roof to your car... spend the money and replace it and the weather stripping.