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  #1  
Old 01-15-2015, 11:14 AM
Av8torTom's Avatar
Av8torTom Av8torTom is offline
 
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Default Step backing plate?

Sorry, more questions...

I just fitted and drilled the step. Has anyone put a backing plate behind the step in the inside or is that just overkill?

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  #2  
Old 01-15-2015, 11:17 AM
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wirejock wirejock is offline
 
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Default Step

I would consider some modification to the steps to prevent cracking. Personally, I'm not quite there but plan to do something like weld a gusset.
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  #3  
Old 01-15-2015, 01:29 PM
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agirard7a agirard7a is offline
 
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Default Step

Tom. Use epoxy primer on these! Also try to
Get the primer on the inside as well. Self etching
Primer out of a can will not cut it in this case.
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  #4  
Old 01-15-2015, 01:53 PM
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flyboy1963 flyboy1963 is offline
 
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Location: Lake Country, B.C. Canada
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Talking Chrome it!!!

well, that's another can of worms I guess.
Some guys are bolting them on, so they are simpler to replace if or when they crack. Not pretty, but.........
I can see why you'd want a backing plate inside, but so far, that doesn't seem to be the failure point of the steps.
Personally, to avoid excessive tugging on the prop, nosegear, tailhook etc.....I do a fair bit of pushing and pulling on the steps, so I'm sure I would benefit from this being beefed up a bit.

one more point, I find that the stress on the steps is MUCH less if I use a low stool/box on the ground when possible.
If you watch the average guy mount his RV, you'll see a pretty good jolt to the step when you launch your weight from ground level up to the wingwalk. Starting from an 8" step, so you are only lifting your weight another 12" or so, really reduces this ''G'-load!
Just my $.02
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  #5  
Old 01-15-2015, 03:05 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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Location: Sacramento, CA
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flyboy1963 View Post
one more point, I find that the stress on the steps is MUCH less if I use a low stool/box on the ground when possible.
If you watch the average guy mount his RV, you'll see a pretty good jolt to the step when you launch your weight from ground level up to the wingwalk. Starting from an 8" step, so you are only lifting your weight another 12" or so, really reduces this ''G'-load!
Just my $.02
I instruct all my passengers to exit and step off the wing backward. It is much more controlled that way as stepping forward one simply falls on the step and it is much bigger impact. It?s been 500 hours and I am keeping my fingers cross, let?s hope I have not jinx it here.
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  #6  
Old 01-15-2015, 06:32 PM
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Default

I installed backing plates for my steps when I installed them. I also used proseal on both mating surfaces.
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  #7  
Old 01-15-2015, 06:51 PM
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Av8torTom Av8torTom is offline
 
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Default Thanks

Thanks everyone. Has anyone used countersunk rivets?
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N677AT reserved
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Last edited by Av8torTom : 01-15-2015 at 07:02 PM.
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  #8  
Old 01-16-2015, 12:27 AM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Av8torTom View Post
Thanks everyone. Has anyone used countersunk rivets?
I was advised against it by Vans.
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  #9  
Old 01-16-2015, 07:36 AM
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Closterman Closterman is offline
 
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Location: La Sarre, Qu?bec, Canada
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Lightbulb Step

I have done my step to be removable. So it will be easy to remove it if I want to weld it in the futur or put a new one if they break. See my Kitlog for more info :
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=182204&row=66

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=186456&row=55
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  #10  
Old 01-16-2015, 08:07 AM
Paul K Paul K is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
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Default

As mentioned, not a failure point. I think it is overkill.

I used counter sunk rivets but I also used proseal between the step and skin. Have seen a lot of installations at Kosh with rust running down the skin under the step. Prime and paint the step mounting surface first.

I think bolting the step on is admitting failure. However, with the failure rates experianced, not a bad idea. If I was mounting the step today, I would make the modifications to the tube/plate weld area. This is where all the failures have occured. Then mount it exactly the way I did.

So far, two years and about 150 hrs. Not long enough to tell if it is going to fall off or not!
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