i see where you are going. we could argue all day giving car examples. my point was that since you are already taking railbolts off, why not put the rails aside,pull a couple of staples off and really see what's going on with the seam? chances are it popped because the slate screw hole is stripped. putting the cloth back on is easy if he takes only half of it off leaving side pockets attached. anyway my best advice for him would be to get a mechanic to fix it, or change the cloth if it's worn out but he was asking where to start . i don't doubt it could be done the way you say, i just don't see the point, (why just attach a fallen exaust with wires if you have a welder in the trunk)
