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Topic: Step repair make me nervous (Read 1547 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #25 –
When you're trying to drill out the rivets are they maybe spinning?  That is a common problem when drilling them out.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #26 –
Quote from: folivier –
When you're trying to drill out the rivets are they maybe spinning?  That is a common problem when drilling them out.
Whack the head with a punch/hammer and drill at an angle. You don't have to worry about the hole as it will be drilled larger for the 1/4" tap.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #27 –
Sorry I did not see this sooner, had the same problem a few years ago, similar coaches.  Foretravel had the metal part for the step at a reasonable price, which surprised me.  Not sure if they still have them, and at a reasonable price, but call parts and find out. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #28 –
Thanks for the latest replies, although my step frame is still useable, especially if I ospho it and paint it or get it powder coated it, i have decided to have a stainless steel step built.

It is only .04 oz heavier than the carbon steel per square foot.  I paid the draftsman today and should have it by Friday or first part of next week.  We are going to move the holes for the fiberglass cover in from the edges.

After I have the step frame back I will take it to the fiberglass shop and have a new mold and fiberglass piece made.

It may not be something everyone would do, but it's part of the feeding and care of my beloved coach.  She deserves the best I can give her!  I'll share pic once I have it.  I will own the cad file after it's done and could help any of you who might be interested n getting one done too.

The biggest reason I'm doing it is mine was bent and rigged to work, so this will be back and better than factory.

1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
Sorry I did not see this sooner, had the same problem a few years ago, similar coaches.  Foretravel had the metal part for the step at a reasonable price, which surprised me.  Not sure if they still have them, and at a reasonable price, but call parts and find out.

Thanks Jerry, I'm so close to a great metal fabrication place, this will work out better for me, but I do appreciate your mentioning that possibility.
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #30 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Whack the head with a punch/hammer and drill at an angle. You don't have to worry about the hole as it will be drilled larger for the 1/4" tap.

Pierce

Thanks Piecre, that's exactly how I did it!
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #31 –
Drill bits used on stainless should be ground to 135 degree angle.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Bill Willett –
Drill bits used on stainless should be ground to 135 degree angle.

Thank you!
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #33 –
Drill pointing at 135 degrees decreases the chisel point of the drill. Why is this important? Because the point contact decreases, allowing quicker penetration at less force.
RPM (rotations per minute) remains the same but the chisel point SFM (surface feet per minute) is almost zero compared to the outside diameter of a drill.
A small center drill usually has the 135 deg point and a thinned web, along with a stepped dia larger than the end diameter. This aids penetration without hardening ahead of the drill. Center drills work great on sheet metal and/or thin metal.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Step repair make me nervous

Reply #34 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Drill pointing at 135 degrees decreases the chisel point of the drill. Why is this important? Because the point contact decreases, allowing quicker penetration at less force.
RPM (rotations per minute) remains the same but the chisel point SFM (surface feet per minute) is almost zero compared to the outside diameter of a drill.
A small center drill usually has the 135 deg point and a thinned web, along with a stepped dia larger than the end diameter. This aids penetration without hardening ahead of the drill. Center drills work great on sheet metal and/or thin metal.

Wow, thanks NiteHawk, Love learning stuff like this, retaining it now the challenge 😉
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!