April 5, 2024
This thread will explain in detail How to Remove the Backward Seat Posts from the Dome Coach Dome Floors and rotate them into correct position.
Supplies needed: A. Excel Knife with additional blade replacements, B. A tool to tap the end of the Excell Knife. (I used my needle nose pliers.), C. An emery nail board to sand residue plastic and glue by hole in Top of Dome Floor, D. Glue: I used Krazy Glue. E. Soft Hand Towels used to cushion the car, F. a container for loose screws, and G. Kleenex to wipe up any spills.
Please follow these steps:
1. Placing the car upside-down of a folded towel, remove the four corner body screws from the underside of the Dome Coach Car. I used a set of hobby screw drivers. Place the screws in container for later.
2. The body shell may fit tightly and need to be pried away on the ends of the car. Use the Excel knife to move the two plies of body shell plastic away at the ends of the body shell. The Great Northern Dome Coach #1324 had extreme binding that took the use of the Excel Knife to slowly raise it out of place.
3. Disconnect the LED power plugs at the door end of the Dome Coach (Long end). I used my Excell Knife placed next to the plug locks, to turn the plug away from each other. It takes several turns to create space between the plugs, so the excel Kinfe can move them further apart. Use caution: the Knife is SHARP!
4. Set the chassis on a towel so it does not roll off the table.
5. Turn the Dome Body Shell over and unscrew the two end LED boards. Leave the boards fastened to the bottom of the Dome Floor in place at this time.
6. Unscrew the two Screws with built-in washers that hold the Dome Floor in place. Put the screws in the container.
7. Spread the side walls of the body shell apart to allow the DOME FlOOR to lift out past the window glass without scratching the windows.
8. Check the body shell for any loose screws that fell when removing the first end light boards. Put screws in container and set the body shell upright on the table/
9. Now, Remove the small screws holding the LED boards to the bottom of the Dome Floor and set the entire wiring of LED boards aside.
10. Use a sharp Excel Knife to lightly score over the rectangular lines of the Seat Post on the bottom of the Dome Floor. Lightly score two or three times around the post. DO NOT CUT through the floor. You are creating FRACTURE LINES to assist the breaking of the glue bond.
11. Use the Excel Knife as a chisel to shock the ends (Smaller side) of the post. Tap twice on each scored end. Now tap the long side of the post on either side. The post may have already popped loose. DO NOT WIGGLE the POST because it could break. KNOCK IT OUT! KNOCK IT OUT. This will create a cleaner hole for re-inserting the Seat the opposite direction. Use the Excel Knife to rub away any residual plastic powder or debris. DO NOT CUT THE POST! You are just cleaning it lightly.
12. Use the emery board to sand the glue and plastic debris away from the hole on TOP of the Dome Floor.
OPERATION ROTATE: 180 degrees
13. The hole in the Dome Floor is at the REAR of the Dome Seating Area. After cleaning the floor area around the hole, put glue on the POST end and INSERT the Seat facing forward, away from Rear Opening. Check that the seat is level by looking at the seat from the side, and then the rear of the seat. Glue the Seat Next to it is place, checking that it is level from the side and then the back. Look down on the Seats to make sure that they are facing forward and not turned off line. LOOK from the SIDE, THEN back, and finally from ABOVE.
14. Do the next two seats, one at a time. Check from the SIDE, BACK and ABOVE. Yes, you probably have glue all over your fingers. Remember only the top of the Floor will ever show. Try to be neat. The bottom is hidden by the LED Light Boards.
15. Continue placing the next two seats and continue until all twelve Seats are installed.
16. Let the glue dry for several hours and allow the fumes to dissipate before putting the LED Dome Floor Light Boards back on the bottom of the Dome Floor. The longest board faces the rear of the car. Make sure the LEDs show and that the board is screwed on correctly.
17. Spread the Body shell walls and insert the DOME FLOOR facing the short end. Align the two Dome Floor holes with the screw posts in the roof of the Body Shell. Use the two screws with the built-in washer. Do NOT overtighten screws.
18. Fasten the end LED Light Boards to the Shell Roof with small screws.
19. Plug the LED Light Plugs together and make sure the wire is hidden in the recessed area at the rear of the car.
20. Put the chassis in place and check through the windows for any out-of-place wires or dirt on the windows.
21. Carefully put four body screws in their corners. DO NOT Over-Tighten. You have successfully rotated the Dome Coach Seats!
See a few pictures below and ask any questions. I will try to help when possible.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
