I noticed the pocket for the top bow in my car’s canvas convertible top is coming unglued. What holds it together looks like contact cement ( see photos). Is there a particular brand I should use for this that’s better and stronger than the rest? Thank you in advance.
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Try DAP contact cement from any DIY store. Either the red can or green can (which I think is water based) should work. Pick up a small brush to brush it on and follow the directions on the can. Try not to get any onyah.
My best guess is that it is just standard 3M contact cement in spray form. You can get a can of it from HD or Lowes. I would remove the top and tape off the areas left and right where you don't want to get contact cement, spray both sides of the fabric; the part where you see the glue outline now and the part you want to stick to it, let it dry to the touch, and fit them together. You'll only get one shot at laying them together correctly so be precise/careful.
use the DAP contact cement, the DAP HHR is even better thought expensive.
3M stuff won't last a full driving season.
DAP red label contact cement. It has a brush in the can or bottle.
Update: Well folks, I followed your advice but I couldn't find the red DAP in the 3 oz bottle with the applicator. I had to buy the 16 oz can. To start; applying it on your back in the car with the top up (handbrake cable ends gouging your back, even with handbrake lever fully disengaged) is not fun. Second, the stuff is nasty; if it touches your skin it stings like a m'fer. I had a couple of drops fall on my shirt, and even though I was drenched in sweat (temperature in the garage was in the 90's and Miami humid, baby!) they still went through the wet shirt and nailed me right on my left side. Regardless, I was successful in applying it on the whole pocket; I later found a couple more spots where it was separating (what can you expect after 17 years?). It disintegrated one applicator in the process but it worked. I let the parts set for a while before joining them. I did and they seemed to hold well. Since I left immediately and haven't used the car I still need to see the final outcome but I believe it worked alright. Thank you for your suggestions as always; very appreciated.
And the adhesive worked flawlessly; it's stuck there for good. Than you all again for the suggestions.
