Beefed up steps

[TJCF16]

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]

[TJCF16]

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

[9GT]

Originally Posted by TJCF16

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.

[xavierm]

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

[TJCF16]

How the heck did where you able to post them?

[TJCF16]

Thanks Finally figured it out!
Tim Crouch

[scrollF4]

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."

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by scrollF4

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.

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.

[TJCF16]

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!

[boom3]

The new steps look great!