chin_k wrote: July 26th, 2019, 8:42 am
Now, the aftermarket assembly is also interesting. It is not a true slide out, since from the picture, it looks like you need to lift up the step so that the side is horizontal (to get the bottom off the C-shaped bracket) then you slide it in. If it is a true slide-out one, I would want to put a actuator on it and make it into an electric step. For $90, I bet the metal is thinner than ASAP, and it is not powder coated.
You're correct...it's actually called a "foldaway step". It has something called an "E-coat black finish".
I may look around for more local metal fab guys to have the parts made.
If any one can supply dimensions/drawings of the OEM struts, that would be very helpful, since those seem to be the most critical for the proper function of the step assembly.
Your current step is pretty nice and sturdy, and would fold up pretty solid if it weren't for the door stop. In your situation, I would try out a different approach. Take off the door stop and see how things work. If everything else is acceptable, I would look for an alternate door stop method. Even a short strap or bungee to the ladder you could hook to the door handle, but I'm sure there are other options. Doesn't cost anything to try it out.
caconcourse wrote: July 26th, 2019, 10:30 am
Your current step is pretty nice and sturdy, and would fold up pretty solid if it weren't for the door stop. In your situation, I would try out a different approach. Take off the door stop and see how things work. If everything else is acceptable, I would look for an alternate door stop method. Even a short strap or bungee to the ladder you could hook to the door handle, but I'm sure there are other options. Doesn't cost anything to try it out.
You're right... it is well built and sturdy (weighs a ton!).
Good idea. I'll look into an alternate door stop method for now, and hope I can get the present assembly closer to OEM soon.
I tried to flip it without the door stop, and it hits the door and does not rest on the top step. So I don't think that is a good alternative if yours is the same size. I think the biggest issue with your existing setup is that it is making it difficult to open the back door when the step is flipped up. You also need to make sure it is not rubbing against the other components or rattles when you are driving.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
chin_k wrote: July 26th, 2019, 2:24 pm
I tried to flip it without the door stop, and it hits the door and does not rest on the top step. So I don't think that is a good alternative if yours is the same size. I think the biggest issue with your existing setup is that it is making it difficult to open the back door when the step is flipped up. You also need to make sure it is not rubbing against the other components or rattles when you are driving.
Yep, the door won't open when flipped up. Where the OEM step sits flat on the top step when flipped up, mine has a steep angle (pivoted down towards the door) when resting on the stop.I would guess that angle would increase not resting on the stop, still preventing the door to open.
Looking at Clay's step assembly, if my existing solid struts had a "slot" cutout, that would allow the step to slide down flat against the top step when the stowed position. ?
It's more complicate than that if if want it to have the extra freedom. Right now, the step will stay horizontal because of the rigid L bracket. If you want it to slide, you need to have two straight brackets, instead of one L bracket (per side).
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Help!
To have a local metal fab guy recreate the OEM step assembly, I need measurements/dimensions for the components...primarily the solid and slotted struts used on the step, bolts/bushing sizes, etc.
Any info/help greatly appreciated. Thanks
HoosierB wrote: August 2nd, 2019, 11:38 am
Help!
To have a local metal fab guy recreate the OEM step assembly, I need measurements/dimensions for the components...primarily the solid and slotted struts used on the step, bolts/bushing sizes, etc.
Any info/help greatly appreciated. Thanks
I will post the dimensions here shortly, but in the meantime, here are some more photos, showing the brackets and mounting bolts in various stages:
It looks like your "L-brackets" attached to the step frame to keep the step in place are original, mine look the same (but white), and the solid hanging strut butts up against them when the step is down. There are two 30" "axles" running through the step at the top front and top rear that allow the struts to pivot and slide when folding and unfolding.
Here are dimensions, and a photo of the step bottom, showing one of the axles. The axles are made from a rod with threads on each end, and a torx bolt on the end. Could be threaded rod with locking nuts.
Update: added some more dimensions to drawings and added notch in slotted strut. Redrawn on my new CAD system (pencil, paper, eraser, and phone camera). Note the step triangle is a simple 6", 8", and 10" right triangle, and solid strut is the 8" leg.
Attachments
Last edited by caconcourse on August 4th, 2019, 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Clay...I can't thank you enough for your detailed reply! Thank you! This should give my metal fab guy enough info to do the job.
Again...thanks to all!
