Step Installation Question

[aparchment]

Hi folks:

Quick question, I am preparing to install my steps. The instructions say to cut a 1.5" hole in the fuse side, but if I only cut a 1.5" hole in the fuse skin, the weld on the step mounting plate will interfere with the hole, and the step mounting plate will not fit flush with the fuse side. I think I need to open the hole up at least 1/8" more, either that or grind down the weld. Grinding the weld it seems would compromise the strength of the part.

How have others handled this, and how has your solution performed?

Thanks!

Antony

[newtech]

I opened the hole so the step fit without interference. Your Dremel is your friend here and when cutting the hole for the flap push rod.

[ncarmon]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ight=step+hole

Thread on what others did.

I found one of the builder's sites that had an alternative. Use 1 9/16. That is what I did and it worked good:

http://www.rvproject.gen.nz/dailylog...-23.html#ID744

scroll down and you will see.

[rv9av8tr]

I approached it similiarly. The hole won't end up exactly round because the fuselage starts to taper there. You can see my progress at the link below. Follow by moving on to subsequent log entries.
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=25804&row=104

[Greg Arehart]

Antony,

And, there are some of these steps that have a too-long tube that will need to be trimmed down a half inch or so to fit into the floor ribs properly.

greg

[aparchment]

Great stuff guys. Thanks so much, this is just what I was looking for.

[Nehi]

Antony ; consider putting proseal between the back side of the steel plate and exterior skin to keep out moisture and eliminate the possiblity of corrosion being the two metal are dissimilar.
This tip was given to me after it was too late, I now wish it was in there !

[aparchment]

Nevin:

That's a great tip! Thanks very much. I will do that.

Antony

[ChiefPilot]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

Antony,

And, there are some of these steps that have a too-long tube that will need to be trimmed down a half inch or so to fit into the floor ribs properly.

greg

Or too short. Mine were short a small amount, so I had to make a spacer for each one to get it all the way to the floor rib on each side.

[Ron Lee]

Rethink the proseal. I had cracks develop on my step which required that I remove it.