Fabricating handle to lower stair

[Jeremy9107]

Another frame question....Having to replace the piece of metal that lays over the stair due to rust. Any ideas on how I can recreate the handle?

[Belegedhel]

As I recall, it was extremely simple. Just a straight lever with a 90 degree bend at the far end that goes into the channel to release/block the stair from sliding down the support groove. There is a pivot point roughly in the middle, and then another 90 degree bend at the exterior end with a knob on it. If I recall correctly, the big challenge is that it mounts on the outside of the outrigger (inside the belly pan), so you are going to have to open up some of the belly skin in order to see where it lives/mounts.

A screen shot from the manual is shown below. The part you are worried about is #21--note that there is also a square lever that locks the left side as well.

good luck!

[blackbear]

Hi @Belegdhel,

I am in the same situation and am curious if you have fabricated this yourself or if this is a part you can buy somewhere.

Thanks in advance for your reply!

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

As I recall, it was extremely simple. Just a straight lever with a 90 degree bend at the far end that goes into the channel to release/block the stair from sliding down the support groove. There is a pivot point roughly in the middle, and then another 90 degree bend at the exterior end with a knob on it. If I recall correctly, the big challenge is that it mounts on the outside of the outrigger (inside the belly pan), so you are going to have to open up some of the belly skin in order to see where it lives/mounts.

A screen shot from the manual is shown below. The part you are worried about is #21--note that there is also a square lever that locks the left side as well.

good luck!

[HiHoAgRV]

The photo looks like a pre-handle version of a release like my '60's trailers have. The front plate has a small finger that holds up the step. The plate is slotted so you can grab below it, flex it out and let the finger clear and release the step.
I can see the slot and the grab area, thus my comments.

[Jeremy9107]

Appreciate the replies. It's not so much "how the handle works". That part I know. It's that I had to replace that piece of the frame due to rust and fabricated a new one. Was just looking for ideas on how to recreate the handle. Ended up creating a wooden mold close to shape of old handle then pounding new metal piece over it. Came out good enough. Function was preserved. Look slightly different.

[Dingo Girl]

I replaced the exact same "handle piece on my 67.it was rusted through.
I'll dig up some pictures & post for you.
Mine works better than ever now.

[Dingo Girl]

I've hunted through my computer & thumb drives for the pictures of the threshold piece and cannot find them.
I will keep searching.
If nothing else it tells me I really need to organize my photo mess.
I can tell you I fabricated (bent) the piece to match the original.
Then to create the slot that allows some give in the steel so you can actually pull on it & have the step release from the catch I did the following :
drilled two 1/8 " holes at what would end up being the ends of the slot.
This allowed a place for me to start and stop the plasma torch. I ran the plasma torch along a straight edge to create the slot. Then welded this piece back in place.
I did not put the" handle " form back on mine.
The reason being it is not necessary and I caught my heel on it once stepping off the step and skinned it badly. I don't want to do that again.
I replaced mine when the floor was out and the belly pan was off. I don't know how you could replace the whole piece any other way since it is welded to the outriggers under the subfloor.
Hope this helps.

[Dingo Girl]

The door frame is also bolted through this piece.

[Dingo Girl]

[attach]301438[/attach

[Jeremy9107]

Thanks Dingo girl. That is helpful. Wish I had a plasma torch. I was thinking of using a cutting disc on a grinder for the slot. I might do the no handle at your suggestion. Assuming it works well for you without it

[Dingo Girl]

Yes it works just fine.