Found a deeper one at Autozone that fits tight into the original and solves the problem. Passengers can fend for themselves.
After running it a bit and checking its history I figure I'm looking at 3 major costs down stream. Timing belt(car has 88k and no history of it being replaced) plus water pump for grins since it will be easy once it's opened up. Windshield (not urgent but has a 6-8 inch crack running laterally below the wipers). Top only has about one more season in it. Anyone here have experience with the original "Cabrio Vinyl"? It can be had much cheaper than fabric but the one on it is fabric and the guy I bought from had it 12 years without changing which I find impressive.
Other than that, a thorough detail, buff and wax to bring the paint back, some plastic bits (one round cap in the hard cover and other bits covering the hard top attachment points) saddle soap and conditioner for the seats and it'll be ready for road tripping.
Fun as it stands.