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[Mr_flibble]

I have two 1930s and 1940s box cameras that are in need of some CLA. The only way to get into the shutter is by removing the nails/tacks around the front end of the camera.
 
Any suggestions on going about this without damaging the leatherette/cardbo

[Glenn]

The little tool described below was made by my father 75 years ago to aid in the restoration of antique furniture. Since I acquired it many years ago it has helped restore a number of vintage automobile interiors.
 
Take a 6 length of machine hacksaw

[Mr_flibble]

Thanks Glenn,
 
Your description of the tool reminds me somewhat of on of those brass button polishing tools.
 
I fear the nail heads have been hammered too deeply into the cardboard to be able to grab it with this type of tool though.

[John_s]

I was thinking about inserting a sharp object between the wooden frame that holds the shutter/film frame and the edge of the exterior and forcing the nails out a little bit before grabbing them with pliers and yanking them out all the way. That's more o

[Finnegan]

Believe of not, I have removed front covers of this type by sticking my finger through the hole of the face and pulling it out. Usually the box cameras you are referring to don't have a lens in front, just a hole so, in that case, my method has

[Mr_flibble]

Thanks all,  
 
Finnegan, that might just work for the No.2 Hawkeye B, but not the Coronet Rex, as that one has a lens fixed in a metal bezel to the frontside of the camera.

[Fallisphoto]

I've thought of several methods of extracting difficult nails, but I'd really have to see it before I could say which one would work best.