Replacing lights and wiring on pre-war passenger car #1685

I have the Lionel pre war 2640 & 2641 passenger cars and there is a small screw in the top of the car near the center of the roof. Not sure what your passenger car had from the factory.

If there is no screw to remove the only other thing to try is to gently loosen the little metal tabs that hold the bottom in place and open it from the bottom. Do not move the tabs more then is absolutely needed! The little tabs can break off very easy.

Lee Fritz

RRS posted:

I recently purchased this car which is in pretty decent shape, but the bulb needs to be replaced and the insulation on the wiring to the bulb is all cracked so I would like to rewire it.  I can not figure out how to get at this as the car seems to be all one piece except for the roof which appears to be riveted in the top center.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks!

A picture of the roof would be helpful to see exactly what you have. 

I believe the 1685 prewar cars have a top like the 600 series cars where there are to metal tabs protruding on each side in the center of the car. They are levers to a spring loaded latch.

This is what the latch looks like on the underside:

Simply squeeze the levers together and gently pull up on the roof to remove it.

Might help further to post this on the Tinplate Forum. Also a photo would be helpful.

Thanks BMORAN4, I now have the top off the car and am ready to rewire it.  Your picture was very helpful.