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| | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 | Jim Carter's catalog says they use the original gauge metal on the inner step (55-59) Anybody installed them yet?
I just got done packing up the $70 20 ga. patch panel to return to the vendor. Has anybody used these things with success? | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | I have used/installed Carter step. Why did you send patch panel back? Don't get what you are saying? Was it a step repair panel?
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 | I sent the $70 step/rocker panel combo back because I thought 20 gauge sheet metal was just too weak to be used as anything but a decorative piece. I was wondering if anybody had actually installed this 20 ga. piece and then stepped on it. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | The 55-59 trucks are 19ga I believe. they could be 20ga. 19ga is .0418 and 20ga is .0359, a difference of .0059. This is not enough of a difference, considering they have a tolerance +/-, to have any effect on the step strength, As you know there is a long reinforcing piece running long ways and a reinforcing bracket toward the front outside edge of step. If Carter says it is same gauge as orig, it is the same. It should not "oil can" if the reinforcements are rewelded in place. I don't see a $70 piece in Carters catalog. Where did you buy the $70 piece?
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | yes, as bartamos sez, the critical strength is in the reinforcement attached to the underside of the step, which doesn't come on the replacement step, it has to be added, but even without that brace I'd expect the built in rocker to provide rigidity once the piece were welded in
I've replaced both steps in my 58 and they're as rigid as a rock, been steppin on it daily for months
Bill | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 119 | Update - the Jim Carter inside steps arrived and I checked the gauge with both my handy-dandy Eastwood sheet metal thingy and my fine American made Starrett micrometer. The Jim Carter steps are 18 gauge (.050) and the others (from Chevy Duty) were 20 gauge (.0375). Maybe the difference wouldn't amount to much strength wise, but with my mediocre welding skills, at least I've got a fightin' chance of getting these things in with my MIG welder without blowing holes.
Thanks guys. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,703 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,703 | the 64th of an inch in thickness may help ...but im in your boat ...I would need a 1/4 inch to not blow holes in it ....LOL | | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | I think Carter's is the last company to still use us made correct gauge steps. I see most of the other guys provides those form Taiwan to keep their prices down. | | |
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