55 chevy pickup door steps

[wilberweb]

Hi Guys,
I have a question on the door steps of a 55 truck.
I see steps are relatively inexpensive.
I a lot of truck owners opt to replace them rather then repair the steps.
Is it better to replace the steps or fix the ones that are on the truck.
I guess it all depends on how much metal is left. I have lots of metal left on my steps, and they aren't damaged that much.
Also Is there a problem fixing steps in this area, being such a high traffic area. I sent some pictures. maybe some one has some Ideas on the best way to patch thees steps fiberglass or small metal patches, or just filler.


Thanks
-Larry

[Kim57]

It's hard to tell how bad they are from the pics. They look to be in pretty good shape and if it were me I'd try welding the holes that are there or use small metal patch panels.
I would stay away from filler for holes.
Kim

[wilberweb]

Kim57,

That's what I was thinking of doing. Welding a small patch then smoothing the pits with filler. Weld all the small holes.
They are in real good shape, the bottom is bend out of shape a little.
and one step seems to be bowed a little. I am sure that's a easy to fix.


Thanks Kim57
-Larry

[Chevette]

Not doubting Kim's word, but I would replace them, considering that you definitely need to replace the lower "A" pillars anyway, you may as well replace the whole darn works, and not worry about future rust problems. “If in doubt, throw it out”

[wilberweb]

Chevette,
I see what you are saying. I didn't want to create more work than I already have is all
they have around 95% all of the metal its been trough the sand blaster so I don't think rust will be a problem.my concern is when I take too many things apart I end up getting the original alignment off.I think I can tackle the door steps but it has so much good metal I wanted to selvage as much as I can.

I could go ether way on this.


-Larry

[_Ogre]

Yours aren't that bad. I didn't have much choice. My rockers were shot, holes in step from carpet that a previous owner had. The repops aren't as nice. Either way cover them with 3m film to save your paint when you're done.
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[wilberweb]

I think I am going to try and fix my steps. I'm not sure on what to use fiberglass or just light weight filler. I think I will patch what I can, and fill the holes with weld. That way I'm getting all the metal I can.Its more durable.


-Larry

[oldcouple]

You can weld them, make a backer out of piece of copper pipe, cut it and flatten it out, then weld away. Bottle jack to push them up, sledge hammer to push down, be creative.

[wilberweb]

Oldcouple,

Are you talking about a copper spoon? the one that you can buy at harbor freight for 5 dollars. or something different?
sledge the bow in the steps to make it flat?

Just making sure I was reading that right.

-Larry

[drivea55]

you see small holes, but it takes a lot of deterioration to get a spot hole.

so the whole step is quite thinner than it should be (even though it looks intact)

take a micrometer and measure the thickness, a point mic would be best and see how thin your metal really is.

as an example, if you can get a reading of .015 to .020 there in a consistent manner, the panel is too thin.

IMO... being a machinist I check these things.

check it!

most times we do not go to that degree and just replace the panels.

hope this helps.

Brian

[oldcouple]

Originally Posted by wilberweb

Oldcouple,

Are you talking about a copper spoon? the one that you can buy at harbor freight for 5 dollars. or something different?
sledge the bow in the steps to make it flat?

Just making sure I was reading that right.

-Larry

My nearest HF is an hour away, and the spoon does not always fit in the spot you are trying to weld. Using a scrap of copper pipe allows you to form to the hole area, and hold it in place from the back side without the handle getting in the way.