The secret to using the screws is to buy the flathead black oxide ones and use a magnetized screwdriver. Don't use the brass or stainless steel screws. Easy, peasy.
I hope someone finds this useful.[/QUOTE] Really helpful! I have a pair of these I bought years ago and will give this a try.
For trucks, yes exactly, but for those little size screws needed for the MT body mounts, that is my issue. Slightly unsteady hands, flat head screws, and the super small size just don't go together for me.
I hear ya and I know the feeling. I believe the screw you are talking about is an 00-90 but I could be wrong on that. You can get them on Ebay in brass and stainless steel but I could not locate anyone who sells regular steel ones.
Thanks again for posting this! I followed your instructions and was able (at last) to convert one of these. I added in a little bit of weight and it's a great running car now. One down, one to go. I bought these when they first came out - maybe 20 years ago? I've never run them until now.
I used to have a half dozen of these, and I just took off the truck mounted coupler, lowered the bolster and screwed on a body mount MT coupler. The trucks are worth saving, they're a perfect match for some used by the ATSF.