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steve gaines (Kysteve)
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Username: Kysteve

Post Number: 33
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 74.140.165.225

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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 8:04 pm:   

Has anyone ever used the air cylinders for the doors to move the step cover. Im thinking of doing this. I realize I would need to make a throw arm to get more lenth out of it. Anybody got any ideals? Steve
Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
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Username: Tekebird

Post Number: 75
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 69.136.90.146

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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 8:23 pm:   

custom coach as well as other top end converters have had air actuated step covers for years.

Some fold up forward and some slide under the copilot seat
steve gaines (Kysteve)
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Username: Kysteve

Post Number: 34
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 74.140.165.225

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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 8:32 pm:   

Im aware of them being used, Im, in search of some design ideas as, Ive never seen one in operation or if I could see like a print of one in a diagram. Im hoping to make use of the air cylinders I have just to save a buck or two. Thanks, Steve
Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
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Username: Tekebird

Post Number: 76
Registered: 10-2004
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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 9:09 pm:   

I have not had to take mine apart ( Custom Coach fold up and forward version......

simplest would be to use the step cover on tracks or rollers of some sort with an air piston to deploy and stow from under the copilot seat.
James Stacy (Jimstacy)
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Username: Jimstacy

Post Number: 25
Registered: 1-2001
Posted From: 71.150.87.104

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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 9:56 pm:   

I welded up a footrest from sturdy 3/4 by 4 aluminum square tubing. It is shaped like the greek letter PI and slides under the copilot seat. When fully extended it only covers the rear half of the steps and is about 2' wide. The copilot slides it in and out with the tip of her shoe. It stays where it is left. A light spray of silicone lube once or twice a year is all the maintenance it needs. I can bounce my 200 pounds up and down on the extended rest with no problem.

The powered units seem to be a lot of overkill, large, heavy, complicated. Typically needing some type of power up in order to operate; A nuisance in an emergency. When we stop for fuel this rest doesn't need to be moved; I can easily use the stairs with it out. When retracted, it is just visible.

This has really been one of my better ideas. If I were building one today, I'd build it the same way. Sometimes simpler is better.

I described it some time back on this board, also wrote an article in the Coach Builders Bulletin with pics about a year ago.

Jim Stacy
steve gaines (Kysteve)
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Username: Kysteve

Post Number: 35
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 74.140.165.225

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Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 10:17 pm:   

Got a link to that article Jim, thanks
James Stacy (Jimstacy)
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Username: Jimstacy

Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2001
Posted From: 71.150.87.243

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Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 4:56 pm:   

www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/233/6710.html#post42550

This was August 2004. Not a whole lot more info. Other articles there. Jack Conrad made a similar unit using drawer slides. If you are still interested I'll see if I can locate the Coachbuilders Bulletin article. That had photos.

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