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# How do I replace Cuckoo Bellow Tops?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Replacing Cuckoo Bellow Tops

### Article sections

### Disconnecting the bellows

The [lift wires](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) travel from the movement up to the flaps of the old [bellow tops](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops). Furthermore, these [wires](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) are taken off in order to remove the [cuckoo bellows](https://www.clockworks.com/product/side-opening-clock-bellows-with-tubes). Usually this is done by opening the loop on the lower end of the [lift wire](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment). This is where it connects to the movement's lift arm. Use a [small flat head screwdriver](https://www.clockworks.com/product/multiple-tip-screw-driver-for-clock-repair) to twist open the loop on the [wire](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment).

### Removing the cuckoo bellows

Usually, one flat head screw holds the [bellow tops](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) in the clock. The screw goes into the [bellow tube](https://www.clockworks.com/product/side-opening-cuckoo-clock-bellows). This would be on the side of the cuckoo clock case. Subsequently, each side has a [bellow tube](https://www.clockworks.com/product/back-opening-clock-bellows-with-tubes) and therefore each side has a screw. This is providing the [bellows](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) do not have adhesive on them. Once the [screw](https://www.clockworks.com/product/small-wood-screw-assortment) is out of the tube, pry it off with a small [screwdriver](https://www.clockworks.com/product/7pc-screw-driver-set-6-1-2-inch). Generally speaking, use the screwdriver because there is still one small nail holding it in place. It is most certainly small enough so it simply pops off. As always, be careful not to damage the clock case when doing these things.

### Installing the cuckoo wires

The first step is to install the eye loop [wire](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) into the new [bellow tops](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops). In essence, in the same manner as the old ones. Second, drill a small pilot hole into the [Cuckoo Clock Bellow Tops](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops). Shove the eye loop into the hole with needle nose pliers. Next work on the bird tail [lift wire](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment). Mount the bird tail [lift wire](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) the exact same way. It is best to get the [cuckoo clock wire assortment](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) with the tops. This way, there will be extra [wires](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-wire-assortment) in case one breaks or twists.

### Removing old cuckoo bellow tops

The old cuckoo [bellow tops](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) will just snap off the tubes. The top of the tube will have some old glue stuck which has to be carefully cleaned off with a [knife](https://www.clockworks.com/product/snap-back-watch-opener-tool-knife). Just carefully scrape it off until it is smooth. This way it has a nice, flat surface for the new tops to be installed. New epoxy will be needed as well for the installation of the new tops. [Clear 5 minute epoxy](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clear-set-epoxy-for-cuckoo-clock-repair) mixes A with B and is great for this project. The [regular epoxy](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-bellow-top-epoxy) is also fine. Any [epoxy](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-bellow-top-epoxy) that dries fast will do the job. After all, it doesn't have to be anything fancy. With the tops scraped smooth, the [epoxy](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-bellow-top-epoxy) will adhere well. If old [epoxy](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-bellow-top-epoxy) is leftover, the bumps will make the new tops not stick as well.

### Installing new cuckoo bellow tops

When the new tops are epoxied, either place them upside down to dry or clamp them. Clamping them is the best, however if you do not have them then turning them upside down is the next option. Most importantly, the [bellows](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) have to be able to open without resistance. This means there needs to be a gap between the closed flap of the [bellow top](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) and the front of the tube. If this small gap is not there, the [bellow](https://www.clockworks.com/product/cuckoo-clock-bellow-tops) will jam on the side of the clock case upon opening. The top needs to be in the exact position as the old one was. As a result, it will be able to blow air into the hole that is in the top of the tube. This is so it will not rub anything.

Last Updated: 2 months ago in

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