Box Coupler - Replace missing "spear"

Welcome to the forum.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  A photo would be helpful to see exactly what you have to diognose.  

Hi, Chris, 

Thanks - I was just taking a few. The car is a Lionel 1680 Tank car.

The only one I have like that is on a couple of my engines.  I haven't worked on one but someone else I'm sure will chime in. 

The hook is meant to be staked before the box is attached, however it can be attached in one of three ways:  soldered, glued or staked.  In the latter, I use a small brass insert that fits inside the box and straddles the hook to support it when the box is placed on a firm surface, then stake the hook from the bottom. The only issue is the box will sometimes break, so if you use this method, keep a spare cast box handy. 

Thanks!

Greg

I'll glue this one, but I think for a more clean look the solder route may be my best bet for future repairs. 

Hard to do with hood attached, but can be done.  I made and anvil that fits up in there then using a cold chisel placed perpendicular to raised tab, tap in two places and it is staked. Soldering works as well and is more permanent that glue

Here is a sketch of a tool set that Hobby Horse makes to stake the tab with the coupler hood still attached.

I have a similar problem,

have a boxcar that has hooks still on both trucks, but is missing the box on top of the coupler, I have the same ‘simulated’ coupler markings on the top of the boxes on my other cars.

any idea where to get replacements.

also on truck is missing the pickup that slides onto the extra rail for power?

Sorry one truck is missing pickup

Replacement hoods are available on our site under 'parts'  Harry 

you will also need the piece that holds the box on.