I did it and now I'am going to have to fix it. I think the door switch is loose and the steps move in and out as if by then self. The railroad tie did not move but the steps parted and now look like @#$%* . I have ground off the rivets(not aluminum) and starting to flatten parts. Question? Replace rivets or use sholder bolts , if I can find them.

I used shoulder bolts from McMaster-Carr 91259A617, 3/8 shoulder dia, 3/8 L shoulder, 5/16-18 thread. A real thin AN960 L washer between the moving parts, and a shallow self locking nut.

www.mcmaster.com

[This message has been edited by bill h (edited January 03, 2006).]

Thanks billh will try and order some . JKB

billh THANKS McMaster-Carr has everything. I am picking up at will-call today in Elmhust which is close by.. THANKS the will call guy was VERY helpful. JKB

I picked up the shoulder bolts ,they will work great. billh , I find that the rivets on the actual sliding step part look like they will have to be replace agian with rivets due it clearance. I will have to look and see if McMaster-Carr has shoulder type rivets to replace the original ones that pulled out. I guess rivets will have to be set with a die type of tool to deform the flat end, gald there is room to work on both ends of the rivets in this area of steps. At least I can see the end of this project and not a large repair bill. JKB

Jkb, keep us posted with a source for the rivets. I have only replaced the pivots on my step. More than once, sad to say. Off-roading is tough on steps.

quote:

Originally posted by SLOOP JOHN B:
I will have to look and see if McMaster-Carr has shoulder type rivets to replace the original ones that pulled out. I guess rivets will have to be set with a die type of tool to deform the flat end, gald there is room to work on both ends of the rivets in this area of steps. At least I can see the end of this project and not a large repair bill. JKB

How are the rivets coming?

bill h ; Thanks for asking. The steps are back together with mostly new shoulder bolts instead of rivets in most places. I had to put the bolts on sometimes backwards to clear the moving parts but not a problem, now I have to test it out when the weather breaks. We were watching the Rose Parade , I thought it didn't rain in southern California? At least you dont have to shovel that stuff.. JKB