I need to remove the top of a Lionel 9538 passenger car in order to replace the interior light bulb(s).
Unfortunately I don't know how to remove the top of the car. Anyone out there with directions on how to do it?
Thanks in advance.
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Here is a well done video to get the top off to change the light bulbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_81HbX5pyY
Marty
Oh if only it were that easy. Maybe its that particular car. Maybe it's been taken apart many times and loosened up. But I can assure you it's normally not that easy.
The best way I found is to squeeze those tabs in and give the car a twist back and forth with both hands while squeezing the tabs on both ends of the car. Twist it like you're ringing out a dish towel. The roof will start to pop out.
The secret to getting these apart is to squeeze the windows in from the bottom or sides instead of trying to reach over the top... hold the car in front of you with the side windows facing to your left & right between your hands.
Press in on the "notched" rear windows with both index fingers using a pushing up motion at the same time to "unlock" the raised tabs from the windows. Switch to the front windows and do the same. Repeat on back windows again... usually by this time you have opened up the roof enough to get a grip on the roof panel and raise it straight up & out of the car.
Don't mar the finish by using wedges or screwdrivers to pry the roof up - it just isn't necessary.
Note that this is a PE observation pictured - there is also 1 more step if you are working on a Polar Express observation car, you must remove the screw from the platform overhang ceiling(up into roof casting).
Success!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to all the respondents in helping me with my request.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday.
Retiredre
FYI, Before replacing the roof back on the car, I strongly recommend you line the inside roof line with aluminum foil to:
- reflect the light back into the windows and
- use as a heat sink so the heat buildup in those cars does not distort the roof- ESP if running command control!
I nor my Daughters run our under tree with command control BUT I do line the insides with foil for brighter light and as a potential heat sink.
Once you have the roof off, upgrade to LED strip lighting. No more heat issues, much better lighting, and it'll be flicker-free as well.
