No, it's not rubbing alcohol.

It's AMMONIA, just like the instructions said.

Why does ammonia work? I don't know. It just does. Mix it 50/50 with warm or even hot water. Spray it on until the outer surface of the wood is wet. Let it soak in for a minute or two. Spray it again and let it soak in. Then bend it around the curve and use thin CA to attach it to the formers.