Reattaching glue blocks

Vraz

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This weekend I picked up a Galaga that is generally in good shape. However, am guessing it was partially dropped at some point as the bottom panel had broken free. Many of the plastic knock-down tabs are missing and most of the glue blocks have separated between the bottom and side. I replaced the missing knock-down tabs with dowel pins and they seem to provide enough support to hold the floor in place. Now need to reattach the glue blocks. Looks like there are three choices:

1- Sneak wood glue down the separated edge and then clamp. Problem is limited access to get the glue between the edge of the existing glue blocks and the side panel (and thus unsure how strong result would be).

2- Chisel out the old glue blocks, sand out old glue and replace with new blocks/glue. More work than #1, but provides better access and allows both surfaces to be re-glued.

3- Add new glue blocks, but leave the old ones there (maybe trying to sneak some glue in, but rely on the new blocks to hold things together).

Recommendations on approach? Most curious whether anybody has had success with #1, and if so, how you worked the glue between the side/block. Thanks.
 
For anyone else trying this, I ended up going with approach #2. Removing those glue blocks that had separated on one side was easier than expected. Just used a wide chisel and rubber mallet. Most time consuming part was removing components (like the PCB frame) that prevented access. Just sanded off the old glue and then subsequently re-glued them. Used bricks as weights to hold them in place while the glue dried. Twenty-four hours later and the base seems quite solid.
 
By glue blocks are you referring to the reinforcing blocks along seems of 2 or more mating pieces of wood? if so i normally just shoot a few small nails through them into the cabinet (being carful not to shoot through art or myself...)

Very cool regardless and thanks for following up!
 
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