For Dave Olson: What glue should I use to glue the "Southern Pacific Lines" name strips back on my new 21" passenger cars?

Dave,  Will Lionel cannibalize the Southern Pacific Lines 21" passenger cars for parts?  I understand from Katie that Lionel has no couplers for my 6-83107 Coach from the 2-pack.  The coupler on the end of the coach car will not close.  (It's like a pair of pants that will not zip.)

Please give me some glue recommendations that will not damage the paint on my cars.  I plan to use an Exacto Knife to spread the glue on the back of the "Southern Pacific Lines" full-length strip.

Let me see some Lionel creativity for this new production challenge.  Please : "Talk to Us".

If it was mine I would use canopy glue. It would be safe to use and have adequate holding strength. Its advantage it has a moderate set time and dries clear. You could apply it, clamp the lettering board in place and wipe away any excess glue away before it dries. Won't lift paint nor craze windows. Most use it to glue clear window material to models. 

Pete

Pete,  Thank you for the suggestion.  What is a good brand name?  Clamps are out of the question because the Southern Pacific Lines name strip would be our of reach.  

I am looking for a relatively quick drying (under 5 minutes) contact glue.  The "Southern Pacific Lines" name strips are close to the car sides with just enough room to slide the glue under the back with an Exacto Knife. 

I would start a one end of the strip and gently push it down, moving along in ONE DIRECTION ONLY.   The LIGHT pressure as I move down the strip should cause the strip to lay flat and uniformly back into its original position from the factory.  Avoid too much force that could stretch the strip.

I am looking to "salvage" seven new Lionel Southern Pacific cars for my SP GS4 #4449.   What has model railroading come to?   "Salvaging brand new passenger cars."

I don't think the brand matters. You can google "canopy glue" for online sources but most hobby shops stock it,  in particular the ones that cater to RC and model airplane hobbiests.

Contact cement like Walters Goo or Pliobond would be quicker but any that oozes out will lift the paint. Same problem with Super Glue. Any that oozes out will discolor the paint. 

Water based canopy glue won't harm the paint. The only hassle is you will have to hold it in place for at least an hour.

Pete