Help with vintage Lionel Alco FA Motor Truck

Why do you want to separate the parts of power truck?

The truck is not designed to be disassembled. There is a good chance of damaging the parts during disassembly, and/or reassembly.

C W Burfle posted:

Why do you want to separate the parts of power truck?

The truck is not designed to be disassembled. There is a good chance of damaging the parts during disassembly, and/or reassembly.

Some people like to take things apart, down to the last sliver/nut/rivet/washer. Things are much harder to reassemble than they are to take apart, but some folks still like to do that.

Hi CW, thanks,   the wheels have traction tires and there does not seem to be an easy way to relplace them.  The truck sides look harder to take off

Great pics...

Those four tabs are staked over...  I'm showing the detail here:

Fortunately, if you must disassemble the truck, Lionel left enough material for at least one, & maybe two more staking operations if it has to come apart again. These steel frames are much sturdier & more tolerant to disassembly/reassembly than the postwar MagneTraction aluminum frames.

Brewman1973 posted:

Hi CW, thanks,   the wheels have traction tires and there does not seem to be an easy way to relplace them.  The truck sides look harder to take off

DON'T disassemble for tires! This is a regular service procedure... the first one is a bear with a learning curve, then it's easy and should take maybe 60 seconds per tire. 

Disassembly is for major repairs like gear or field replacement. 

Hi Rob,  thanks for the advice!  I will try a "surgical" replacement of the traction tires. The engine runs, so no need to do a massive overhaul.  If it did need to un-stake the tabs, is that done with some pliers to straighten them out and then how does the re-staking work. 

You can file or squeeze the "distressed" tab above the top plate to take apart,  and then use a cold chisel to re-stake. If you use a magnifying glass, you can see how the factory staking was done near the "end" of each tab.

Brewman1973 posted:

...I will try a "surgical" replacement of the traction tires...

The use of fine picks or dental type tools can be very helpful. The new tire can be put on half or 2 thirds around, and then turn the axles to bring the last of it up into view to finish.

Hi CW, thanks,   the wheels have traction tires and there does not seem to be an easy way to relplace them.  The truck sides look harder to take off

It is not necessary to break down the truck to change traction tires.
I have changed many. Get the tire on as far as possible, then carefully rotate the wheels to get to a part that isn't in place, and work more of the tire on. (Twist part of the tire and slip it between the side of the wheel and the decorative truck side frame)
It helps to have a bent dental probe with a blunt tip to work the tire along.

You might need to apply some gentle pressure to rotate the wheel ahd have the tire squeeze past the truck sideframe.

I have some extra new, old stock modern era 8021-106 alco motor assemblies, less armature and brush plate available for ten dollars each, plus shipping. This is how they came from Lionel.

If you are interested, send me an email, using the contact information in my profile.

Hi CW and Bob,  Thanks so much!  you guys are fantastic resources.