How do I fix this?

If that section failed, others may likely follow. Is it possible to add a fabric layer over the whole tambour and glue it down?

-- "My greatest fear is that upon my demise, my wife will sell my tools for what I said I paid for them."

Contact cement and silk.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

Go to a sewing/craft store and look for fusible interfacing. It comes in various colors and thicknesses and materials. You just cut it, lay it on and iron on.

Is or was there some sort of fabric holding the tambour lid together originally. For an antique, I would want to stay as true as possible to the original design and materials.

-- Nathan, TX -- Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.

There are commercial made tambour tapes in 3 and 4 inch widths and also tambour glue which remains flexible that are available; just do an internet search to find them. The tapes are made of pre-shrunk cotton and may be a bit heavy for those small slats.

That said I think Madmark has a a good idea but you will need to be careful about the cut edges of the fabric fraying.

-- Les B, Oregon

Thanks for your replys. Some materials you’ve suggested that I didn’t know existed. If i get this thing working I’ll post a pic. Thanks again.

-- Rich, Southern CA

Bookbinding tape may be appropriate.