Lionel post-war Wabash F3 B Unit coupler centering spring

[bgreen]

I searched and haven't found an answer for this: the centering spring on one of the dummy (fixed) couplers is broken. Replacing looks like it requires removal of the coupler bracket from the top plate. The bracket looks like it is attached by some sort of crimp.  How likely is it to get this apart and be able to re-use the original bracket?  I'm thinking I may need to order a new bracket with the spring.     

[TrainLarry]

If your truck looks like this, then you don't need to remove the top plate.

Gently bend up the top plate by the coupler until there is clearance to get the coupler out.

Replace the spring and bend the top plate down again. This is how I did it.

Getting the top plate off requires the twisting of the tabs holding it in place, and retwisting them once the plate is reassembled. Easier said than done.

 

Larry

[bgreen]

Thanks.  I had thought about trying to go that route but the top plate seems so stiff I was afraid if I bent it up it may not bend back down straight.  I guess "gently" is the key word in your instructions.