Originally Posted by Jim Hillabrand
Originally Posted by Michael Loeven
does anyone know the dimensions of the sheet metal so I could fabricate a pair?


I'm not sure of the dimensions but I don't think it's considered "sheet metal" per se due to its thickness.

I would think these were fabricated and roll formed in a hydraulic press and they're much more intricate than meets the eye even to the point where they have 2 dimples pressed in place on the backside. These dimples are in place to cover two fuselage solid bucked rivets which allows the step to sit flush against the skin.

The steps are bolted (not riveted) in place using two bolts (.25" bolts??) with washers and nuts on the backside inside the fuselage.

Since Ron Twente worked for Cessna in the manufacturing plant back in the day, maybe he can chime in with how they formed these.


At the end of the day it might be easier to source these from just about any salvage yard such as Dawson's in Clinton, Arkansas. Last time I was there, they had 50/60, 150/152's backed up against the fence in various levels of disassembly.


Thanks Jim. I built a Sonex airframe so I'm pretty comfortable with bending/dimpling/forming aluminum, but you are correct that the compound curve that attaches to the fuselage might be a bit tricky.

I did check Dawson's and TAS and both do not have the fuel steps. I may just plug the holes with screws for now and do the stool method.