Don’t know if “coupler clip” is the correct term. I have a number of RTR cars that have the standard McHenry couplers. Some damaged from the manufacturer. I want to replace them with Kadee couplers but have a little problem.
The clip holding the coupler in place is attached very tightly. I don’t know how to get the clip that holds the coupler off without damaging some part of the car or myself. Is there a special tool? How would you remove the clip?
Thanks in advance,
Bob,
You didn’t say but it sounds like you are referring to the coupler pocket covers on Athearn cars. I remove them by carefully inserting a very small & thin slot head screw driver under the side of the cover and twisting it a bit. This will generally pop it off with no damage to the coupler pocket. If the pocket is damaged you can cut it off the end of the frame and glue a Kadee pocket to the underside of the car.
Good luck!
If the cover is too tight for a screwdriver, try the blade of an X-Acto knife - carefully. Sometimes a tight cover is hard to install again. Lightly filing the mold parting line next to the keeper in the outside of the coupler pocket helps. I also keep a meduim size Chanel-Lock pliers on my workbench. Set the jaws for the width of the coupler pocket and carefully squeeze the metal cover to get it to click into place.
Yes, exactly. I have tried what you suggest, maybe I didn’t use enough force. In the past the cover, if it comes off, flies across the room.
I will give it another try, with more vigor.