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Adding coupler to car

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,314 posts
Adding coupler to car
Posted by kasskaboose on Friday, June 24, 2022 3:32 PM

Happy Fri! 

Can anyone suggest how to add couplers to the images of a car?  The links are here: https://ibb.co/74cmHn2 

https://ibb.co/v3pnyKk

The images show two sides of the car.  I bought it from someone and realize that the existing couplers were awfully added.  He used tape to hold the coupler to the underneath frame. 

Do I trim off the undercarriage and glue a coupler box or do something else?

Thanks!

  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,056 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Friday, June 24, 2022 3:48 PM

  Without the car in my hand that is exactly what you may have to do. What kind of car is it?

      Pete.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,557 posts
Posted by cowman on Friday, June 24, 2022 4:07 PM

First I'd clean all the "added stuff" off, get down to the original parts.  Put some new wheels in the trucks, remount the trucks and hold a coupler box in place  to see  if you are about in the right place.  If so, moount the boxes with a little tacky glue, then check coupler height.  If they are right, remove the tacky glue and cement them in place.  If they are too far off you may need to do some carving before trying again.

Good luck,

Richard

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,081 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Friday, June 24, 2022 4:29 PM
You’ll have to cut back the frame to fit a new coupler box but allow me to refer you to this excellent “how to” by George Paine.
 
 
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,333 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, June 24, 2022 4:45 PM

You've been around long enough to be a real model railroader.  Get a set of Kadee draft gear boxes, some 2-56 screws and a drill tap.  And get a Kadee coupler gauge.

You can do this.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,314 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Friday, June 24, 2022 5:02 PM

It's a Reefer!

Thanks all for the vote of confidence! I've swapped couplers and trucks but never actually added one.  I'll check that vid to see what I might need. Here goes nothing!

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