I have a Proto 2000 GP9 that I want to put a decoder in, but I can’t get the shell off the chassis without exerting what seems to me to be excessive force. I’d appreciate any guidance any body could give. The information sheet that came with the model is pretty abysmal as far as showing how the shell comes off. I looked at a picture on Bruce Petrarca’s Litchfield Station site and it didn’t appear there were any screws to remove. Is that correct? Is it just a matter of prying on the shell in the right places? If so where are they?
I’ve never worked on the GP9 but I’ll go on the asumption that it’s similar to other P2K GEEP’s that I’ve taken apart. On a GP38-2 that I have I had to remove the coupler pockets (they have a screw each) then remove some screws just under the trucks. Turn the wheel trucks slightly and you’ll see them. Some models have a couple of screws beneath the fuel tank. On these you just pull the fuel tank straight off. That’s the best I can offer. After the couplers and screws are removed the shell should slide off easily. After the decoder is installed you can put all the screws back in or just put the coupler pockets back in and have them hold the shell on. The only way anyone would know the difference was if they turned the unit over and looked at the bottom of it.
After removing the coupler screws, you have to take out two more screws that hold the shell to the frame. There is one under the walkway on each side. (At least that’s how they are on my 5 P2K GP9s.)
You have to remove the coupler box covers, and then you also have to remove the fuel tank to access the 2 other screws on the sides. The fuel tank comes off by pulling on it becuase it’s held on with double sided tape.