15” lightweights from the early 1990s question — EDIT: question answered and all fixed!

You will need to remove the sheet metal frame from the aluminum shell after removing the trucks.

That will expose the base that is suspended at each end by a hanger base.  You can slide the hanger bases and base out of the shorter end of the shell to repair.

You may also choose to carefully remove the vista dome to provide access to the dome interior upon its reinstallation.   Just press against at the center near the channel to free one end at a time.  It takes some pressure, but when applied with some upward direction the end will come free.  There are no replacement domes available from LIONEL so work carefully.

Included are some photos of the parts involved.  Good luck. 

@Pingman posted:

You will need to remove the sheet metal frame from the aluminum shell after removing the trucks.

That will expose the base that is suspended at each end by a hanger base.  You can slide the hanger bases and base out of the shorter end of the shell to repair.

You may also choose to carefully remove the vista dome to provide access to the dome interior upon its reinstallation.   Just press against at the center near the channel to free one end at a time.  It takes some pressure, but when applied with some upward direction the end will come free.  There are no replacement domes available from LIONEL so work carefully.

Included are some photos of the parts involved.  Good luck.

Hi Carl - this is very helpful, thank you. I managed to get the body off the frame:

Now am trying to figure out how to get the dome apart. It does not want to slide either direction as there seems to be something glued inside that’s preventing it from moving. When I squeeze the hanger clips together, nothing wants to budge. I don’t want to force it. Any recommendations?

in the second part of your reply, did you mean that I can gain access through the dome itself, here?:

Many thanks for taking the time to help me out.
Kevin

@Pingman thank you so much - I finally got it. The first one I disassembled completely...

but when I understood your point about taking off the top of the dome, I was able to do the second one that way, which was much easier. It’s delicate stuff, though, and I was trying to be as careful as possible.

In any case many thanks to you for the guidance. I’m going to run the cars for the first time now!

Kevin

Adding interiors to vista domes was a late addition for LIONEL.  Those who own earlier versions who'd like to add interiors, the parts (dome base, dome hangers, table tops, and chairs) are available from N. Lima Train Works -- when they get their website up and running again in the Spring.  Here is the parts list and pricing for recently purchased parts.   Each car requires:  one base; two base hangers; six table tops; and, 12 chairs.  Note, the first part listed is the base, and is a substitution for an earlier part that is no longer available; i.e., the base used in the CZ car above is no longer available; but, the part listed below is a direct replacement.

@CoastsideKevin posted:

@Pingman thank you so much - I finally got it. The first one I disassembled completely...

but when I understood your point about taking off the top of the dome, I was able to do the second one that way, which was much easier. It’s delicate stuff, though, and I was trying to be as careful as possible.

In any case many thanks to you for the guidance. I’m going to run the cars for the first time now!

Kevin

Excellent project, Kevin.  And many thanks for your well-documented project.  Perhaps other may add interiors to their domes based on your detailed descriptions and the supplied parts list.

Yes, I’m glad to have been able to fix the broken seats thanks to you. Not decided on whether to add figures to those seats, as it might look odd combined with the silhouettes on the lower level. Love the look of these cars in general though.