Folding step problem

[vonprum]

I just purchased a 1982 31 foot Excella. It's in great shape except the folding step lost a bolt and is not functional. It is the bolt on one side that rides in the sliding track as you unfold or store the step. I'm guessing it's a shoulder bolt. I need a new one but have no idea what to get or where to get it. Not only that, how do I install the new one? It is a closed compartment. Has anyone dealt with this before?

[arodriguez60]

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[TG Twinkie]

Drill out the rivets for the banana wrap and belly pan that is attached to the outrigger where the slot for the step is located. This should give you enough room to get your hand behind the outrigger and install the shoulder bolt. Just be careful you don't bend the banana wrap to where it kinks.

[vonprum]

Thanks for the help. Here's how I fixed it: I drilled out a bunch of rivets. The banana wrap only came loose enough to get the bolt out. I don't need a new bolt because the old one was captured inside. I then partially dismantled the step to swing the arm with the missing bolt down to where I could put the bolt back in place with a new lock nut. I then was able to tweak the arms enough to get the two shoulder bolts back in their sliding tracks then re-assemble the rest of the step and put in new rivets. Took less than an hour. It works like a new one. Thanks to all.

[Skatiero]

Glad you figured it all out!