a little help: dissecting Atlas F unit

You have to carefully spread the sides of the body (both at the same time) to allow the tabs near the fuel tank to clear the chassis.

I haven't yet found a reason to replace the screws once removed.  The tabs hold the body on tightly.  

But that's me.

Hey Chris,

I'm not sure which run of F2/F3 you have, but I think they are pretty much all the same. I just looked at an undecorated shell I have and thinking back on some other Atlas F units I owned and sold, the four screws are all that hold the shell to the frame mechanically. I don't remember if the fuel tank has to be removed or not.

But what I do remember is the shell is a very tight fit even with all screws removed. I had to carefully insert some toothpicks between the frame and side sills and kind of shake it out. It's tight enough that if one end drops before the other (at least on mine) it wedged itself and then it couldn't be removed until I pushed it back up and dropped  the frame out square with the shell. Very tight tolerances.

With all the details it does make you think twice when it doesn't just drop out.

butch

If you don't mind, I'd be interested in seeing the guts of these units.

Howard/Butch,

thanks for the help. I thought it was going to be a tricky maneuver.

I thought it was going to be a tricky maneuver.

The first time is scary.  It's hard to believe there is that much flex to the shell without cracking it.