Beefed up steps
 

I am trying to post my first photos. I hope this works. They are pictures of the new beefed up steps from Vans.


[IMG]IMG_0042 by crouch.timothy, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]IMG_0043 by crouch.timothy, on Flickr[/IMG]

IMG_0043 by crouch.timothy, on Flickr

[IMG]IMG_0043 by crouch.timothy, on Flickr[/IMG]

Does anyone use flicker? I am having a hard time embedding a photo! I click on share then embed I copy that paste but it does not work! Hmmm

I found Photobucket pretty easy to figure out. Its free also.

On Flickr, click "share" then "BBCode" then copy and paste the link.

IMG_0042 by crouch.timothy
IMG_0043 by crouch.timothy
IMG_0041 crouch.timothy

How the heck did where you able to post them?

Thanks Finally figured it out!
Tim Crouch

My right step cracked up high on the inboard side after only 200 hours, with RARE use. As most of us know, this is a classic and all-too-common failure. A local welder wanted "around" $100 to repair and reinforce it.

However, given that a new step costs $100, and given that either way I've got to remove the step from the fuselage, I ordered a new one. I'm one of those dummies that actually riveted the cargo area floor into place: This exercise will give me the opportunity to install platenuts in those floor ribs.

My new step looks just like yours, with the reinforcement gusset. It'll take a day of work, but it'll be good to have the new one in place.

Regarding the left step (still stock, no reinforcement gusset): The Mother Ship tech guys recommended I NOT replace it unless it starts to show a crack. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Removing the blind rivers in the baggage floor is not a big deal.
You could probably do it three or four times, in the time you will spend installing nut plates.

Ya drilling the rivets was a piece of cake. However: you still have to drill out the nut plates that hold the center panel down. I reinstalled them on the rib not thru the floor skin and the rib. This way if I ever need to get back in there I will only need to remove the screws for the center panel and drill out the other floor rivets. I won't have to drill out the nut plates again.

Tip: Paint before you install!

The new steps look great!