System and method for reconfiguring an autorack

A method comprising:

• removing an existing roof section from an autorack;
• removing one or more of a plurality of existing side screens from the autorack;
• removing a first deck of a plurality of existing decks from the autorack;
• removing a second deck of the plurality of existing decks from the autorack;
• increasing a width of a first end portion of a flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the first end portion of the flatcar is greater than a width of a center portion of the flatcar;
• increasing a width of a second end portion of the flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the second end portion of the flatcar is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar;
• increasing a width between a first post of a plurality of posts and a second post of the plurality of posts, the first post located near a first side of the first end portion of the flatcar and the second post located near a second side of the first end portion, the second side opposite the first side;
• increasing a width between a third post of the plurality of posts and a fourth post of the plurality of posts, the third post located near a first side of the second end portion of the flatcar and the fourth post located near a second side of the second end portion, the second side opposite the first side;
• coupling a cross-brace assembly to two or more of the plurality of posts of the autorack, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the two or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack;
• coupling a replacement deck to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly;
• coupling one or more of a plurality of replacement side screens to one or more of the plurality of posts;
• and
• coupling a replacement roof section to the autorack.