Opening a Lionel 600 for light bulb change, having a great Birthday!

The spring latches on the roof.

PS, happy Bday!

Maybe also open an adult beverage for the occasion?  If you go to October York, then you can have another....😎

BTW...congrats...

Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday! Enjoy it!!!

The silver pieces in the center of the roof are the latch releases. They can be a bit cantankerous once in a while.

Stece 

Thanks gang.  I got one of the cars to cooperate.  For anyone else in the future,  here is the car top and latch mechanism.

And here is what the latch looks like when it is in the release position.

And “canterkerous” is a good description.

A touch of oil at the pivot points and where the arms slide over each other may help.

Steve

A slight compression of the roof while operating will also help.

Rob English posted:

A slight compression of the roof while operating will also help.

Now that I know how it works, I got the other two off.  One them wasn't too bad.  The other initially needed a good rap on the edge of the layout to get the mechanism to move.  Now to order up some light sockets, bulbs and replace some the wiring.  The original wiring is most bare.  I didn't even bother to try but these on a powered track until get the wiring replaced. I don't plan on messing with the paint at all.

I still want to get back to other projects I have in progress, particularly the 263e front coupler project.

Probably just need the bulbs and wire, looks like the socket is there in the care you showed, that is the original type, may be ale to clean with a wire brush or Dremel or polish a bit if it has any rust on it. They are fairly easy to reshape with needle nose pliers if you have to do that as well.  Sometimes a previous owner may have wrangled with them a bit and gotten them out of shape.  Those are some nice cars, if your inclined, a bit of paste wax  or auto turtle wax will probably make them bright and shiny once again.  Nice purchase!!  they look considerably nicer than a set I once purchased

C'mon, Dennis, show us the "after" pics!   

Mitch 

I found that Henning’s had the whole socket, bulb, wire assy for $6 a piece-sold!

qty of 3 on the way 

I will post some pictures of video when done.  The window strips are dry rotted and mostly broken.  I am considering taking them out altogether.  Some translucent styrene may or may not get taped in its place.

With a few new parts and whole lot oil for something this size, I have a new set of passenger tin fit for play on the high iron or the low carpet!

 I absolutely love that the wires use a screw instead of solder to attach to the truck assy!  So much easier.  One of the lights is a little balky, so I probably need to clean the roller, although I may have over oiled it.

 I am going to run these myself and make sure my kids do too!