I have an 1840 upright which is of the same type as Chopin used to
use.

I got it for relatively cheap and it arrived with a cracked left leg,
but it is a historic instrument with potential worth.

the crack makes the leg move side to side and runs half way up the
side of the piano.

anyway the crack has been repaired before with some blackish hide-glue
and a few dowels unsuccessfully.

the problem lies in the fact that the crack is not totally accessable,
the wood is oxidized and somewhat dirty with dust and glue.

I can clamp it together alright but I am not sure hide glue will stick
properly to the surface..since it is not a fresh crack..

should I go for hide glue anyway or should I use titebond?

should I crack the leg off and clean the crack with warm water etc?

any tips on what I can do??