Where can I find information about installing a hook coupler on a Lionel 820 box car. It is number65784 and I need to install both couplers. A video or anything would help to give me an idea of what I need to do.
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I do not have the couplers yet. I did find them at Henning’s Trains. It is number 150-28/600. It is on his site. Thanks.
@Nick DiSandro posted:Where can I find information about installing a hook coupler on a Lionel 820 box car. It is number65784 and I need to install both couplers. A video or anything would help to give me an idea of what I need to do.
It's quite simple. You have to take the body off the frame so you can get at the coupler retaining slot. Then insert the coupler with the tab through the slot and bend the tab so it can't slip out.
If that isn't clear, you could buy a similar car with couplers to use as a model. Or just look at photos on eBay. Here's a current listing that is a good example.
I thought that I would have to remove the shell but with prewar cars there are no screws to take the shell of easily. I will have to look at it closer to see how I can do it. Thanks for your help.
@Nick DiSandro posted:I thought that I would have to remove the shell but with prewar cars there are no screws to take the shell of easily. I will have to look at it closer to see how I can do it. Thanks for your help.
They are held on with tabs. You can unbend and rebend the tabs at least once without breaking them if you are careful. Start them with a thin bladed screwdriver or a heavy knife blade and then pliers. I done many of them in that manner.
Maybe I'm totally missing something here but taking the roof off is a lot simpler in most cases. Even with an 820 boxcar. Or reach in the door with something long.
@John H. Shetler posted:Maybe I'm totally missing something here but taking the roof off is a lot simpler in most cases. Even with an 820 boxcar. Or reach in the door with something long.
On many of those old cars, the roof, sides and ends are a single stamping with four bends and tabs in the corners and an open bottom that fits over the frame.
@mlaughlinnyc posted:On many of those old cars, the roof, sides and ends are a single stamping with four bends and tabs in the corners and an open bottom that fits over the frame.
On second look at photos of some of those cars on eBay, I see that many have separate roofs. I seem to have made an erroneous general statement. sorry.
Nick, you may be able to slide the roof open enough without totally removing it. I can't remember if the new couplers come pre bent but if they do you'll have to flatten the bend a bit to install then rebend before twisting the tab 90 degrees. Each car has own traits and so you'll have to experiment slightly with the bends to keep it from falling out.
