To "band-aid" a top you need to know what type of tear you have.  If the
fabric has gotten brittle from the sun, be warned that any fix you do will
not last long.  If the fabric has developed a tear from flexing at a pinch
point a repair may last a bit longer.  I have used an iron on patch placed
from the bottom for a short term band aid.  Center the iron on patch under
the hole, allow about 2 inches or so on all sides of the hole.  Place a
board or other suitable hard flat thing under the patch and iron away from
the top.  Be careful not to heat too much, or you will get a shiny spot.
You may need to put a few stitches thru the patch to keep the ends from
fraying up.  Seal the patch up with tent sealing spray used liberally.  You
will likely have problems with the back window separating from the fabric.
Some folks have said to use urethane glue to re-seal the window.  I have
used "shoe-goo" with some success.  The piping around the edges of the top
are likely brittle and breaking up.  Get out the needle and thread and sew
on some fabric edging from the local seamstress store.  From what you
describe though, you will end up buying a new top soonly.  It will run about
1200 US dollars, and take about 4 days to do.  Don't go cheap, but don't buy
the real expensive top either.  You will enjoy the car much more once the
top is replaced.  I did.

dave