Distended unglued sides and tops/backs!!!!!

[thefishinmusician]

So it's old, bound. and the sides are seperating from the back or top....You push on one side to line it up, and the piece next to it bulges out..What is the smart guy way to re-glue sides like this????Cleats have fallen off as well...F Hole as well...After 20 years of trying to figure out this one, my brain hurts...It shall have to come out...Unless my new friends on this site can enlighten me....Thanks in advance!!!

[danove]

Hard to say for sure without seeing it. (got any pictures?)

Seems like it easily would come apart, due to its age.
If so, there probably is some gluing required inside too,
and it should be easy to disassemble.

Maybe you need to make a mould to fit it together anyhow.

[Jim Bancroft]

Sounds like the top and/or back has shrunk.
When you mention cleats are you referring to the kerfed lining?
This may be a case where the back has to come off to repair it properly?
Hard to say without actually seeing the instrument.

Jim