Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step
| [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268320] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 21:00  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Rob,
You're going to need to be the source for those dimensions. I only drilled
for the one on the driver's side since that's the one that always causes me
trouble. I located it by drilling through the support with the engine and
transmission removed. I can remove the cover over it and take a
photograph, but I don't have any reference point for either horizontal or
vertical dimensions -- everything's covered with carpet and cabinets on top
of that -- there's just too much room for error on any measurement I might
make.
With the riser removed as in your photo, it would be very easy to find the
correct location for the holes. Since the subject bolts are 3/8" (9/16"
hex), the holes need to be large enough to pass that socket, with a little
leeway. I'd probably make them 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" and cover them with 1/8"
thick aluminum plates and gaskets. My carpet's permanently attached there,
so it was lucky that I have a carpeted, removable, 1x3 there as a guide for
the "Gas Powered Dining Table" -- that covers the hole nicely without
having to rip the carpet out. Anyone planning far enough ahead could make
the carpet removable.
Let me know if you still want the perhaps worthless photo.
Ken H.
On Fri, Dec 26, 2014 at 9:25 PM, Robert Mueller
wrote:
> Ken,
>
> No hurry but when you get a chance could you please take some photos of
> those holes and how you located them as I DEFINITELY will be
> modifying the step area on The Blue Streak. An AutoGas tank will be going
> under the dinette seat on that side.
>
> Include them in message titled "Modifying Cockpit Step" so they can be
> found.
>
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268323 is a reply to message #268320] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 21:24  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Ken,
I suspected what you've noted below; I was looking for the easy way out! ;-)
The photo I posted was from Espen so I don't have the plywood removed, I will try and remove it and locate the holes over the next
week or so, right now I'm working on the steering box centering procedure.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Rob,
You're going to need to be the source for those dimensions. I only drilled
for the one on the driver's side since that's the one that always causes me
trouble. I located it by drilling through the support with the engine and
transmission removed. I can remove the cover over it and take a
photograph, but I don't have any reference point for either horizontal or
vertical dimensions -- everything's covered with carpet and cabinets on top
of that -- there's just too much room for error on any measurement I might
make.
With the riser removed as in your photo, it would be very easy to find the
correct location for the holes. Since the subject bolts are 3/8" (9/16"
hex), the holes need to be large enough to pass that socket, with a little
leeway. I'd probably make them 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" and cover them with 1/8"
thick aluminum plates and gaskets. My carpet's permanently attached there,
so it was lucky that I have a carpeted, removable, 1x3 there as a guide for
the "Gas Powered Dining Table" -- that covers the hole nicely without
having to rip the carpet out. Anyone planning far enough ahead could make
the carpet removable.
Let me know if you still want the perhaps worthless photo.
Ken H.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268324 is a reply to message #268323] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 21:38 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Rob,
If you can find a way to locate the lateral center both inside and
underneath, you can probably measure accurately enough from underneath to
locate 1-1/2" holes sufficiently accurately. Perhaps drill 1/4" first,
then offset from that based, on the bolt's relationship to a probe inserted
from inside.
JWID,
Ken H.
On Fri, Dec 26, 2014 at 10:24 PM, Robert Mueller
wrote:
> Ken,
>
> I suspected what you've noted below; I was looking for the easy way out!
> ;-)
>
> The photo I posted was from Espen so I don't have the plywood removed, I
> will try and remove it and locate the holes over the next
> week or so, right now I'm working on the steering box centering procedure.
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268327 is a reply to message #268320] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 22:56 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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I don't understand what you guys are talking about? I had NO trouble getting to all the rear mounts and tranny bolts with nothing but an air impact. Wasn't hard to find the hole or reach it. I could have used a standard ratchet easily enough.
Mine is a 77. Was there a change from earlier coaches?
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268329 is a reply to message #268327] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 23:53 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Kerry,
There should be no difference in any year's arrangement of the transmission
mount to bell housing bolts. You're right that an air ratchet makes the
installation, even of the upper left bolt, much easier. BUT, if someone
removes the step on each side of that area, leaving no room to get up there
with even an air ratchet, R&R of those bolts would become nearly
impossible. Drilling access holes in the step riser behind each of those 3
bolts will make the job much easier in every case, and possible when the
step is modified.
Ken H.
On Fri, Dec 26, 2014 at 11:56 PM, Kerry Pinkerton
wrote:
> I don't understand what you guys are talking about? I had NO trouble
> getting to all the rear mounts and tranny bolts with nothing but an air
> impact.
> Wasn't hard to find the hole or reach it. I could have used a standard
> ratchet easily enough.
>
> Mine is a 77. Was there a change from earlier coaches?
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268330 is a reply to message #268328] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 00:02 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Bill,
Yes, I'm afraid this discussion began under another topic. What we're
trying to deterrmine is useable dimensions for drilling access holes
through the lower cockput step riser behind each of the 3 bolts which
attach the rear transmission mount (the "sheet metal" affair) to the bell
housing. For some of us, installing those bolts is a real PITA (sometimes
takes me as long as the rest of the transmission installation). For ANYONE
who modifies the step to each side of the chain housing, so that there's no
access from the sides, it will be might-nigh impossible.
With the plywood removed from the step, you can probably measure where
those riser holes should be located, and hopefully record those dimensions
in reference to some fixed, readily determined location, regardless of the
state of carpet and cabinets in the area. I suspect it will be necessary
to measure the lateral center of the engine hatch and extend a line down
from there to the lower step riser. One could then measure laterally from
that line and vertically from the top surface of the lower step and be
pretty darned close -- certainly close enough for a 1-1/2" hole to allow a
9/16" socket and extension to reach each bolt heads.
Ken H.
On Sat, Dec 27, 2014 at 12:12 AM, Bill wrote:
> I some of this thread somewhere else?
> I dont understa d what hes looking for however I dont have any plywood
> On my engine cover and step on my 77.
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268336 is a reply to message #268333] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 08:00 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I saw the title and couldn't resist hitting it. I'm currently redoing my Edgemonte for fulltimiing. The thought of extra room on each side of the trans. interreges me. I'll have to take a look at it today. The Glenbrook had the gas/vapor/filter on the passenger side behind the front wheel. Don't know what this has. I'm going to put kitchen cabinets all the way to the drivers seat on the left side. I had figured on going over the step and using a door to access a waste basket. There may be some extra usable space there. Have to be careful as to not jeopardize structural integrity.
Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268385 is a reply to message #268382] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 20:09 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Mike,
Thanks for the feedback. Good ideas for the waste basket. Definitely extra room to use. I see by your signoff that you have a late model Malibu. I changed the headlight bulb in my 2011 last weekend and it took 2.5 hrs. Just something for you to look forward to. I would really like to talk to the engineer that designed that system.
Thanks, Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268387 is a reply to message #268385] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 20:22 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ray R. wrote on Sat, 27 December 2014 18:09... I see by your signoff that you have a late model Malibu. I changed the headlight bulb in my 2011 last weekend and it took 2.5 hrs. ...
Just did it for the first time less than a month ago. (Owned the car, a 2008, for 5 years.) It took me about 4 hours but I did both sides.
For info for other readers, the first step in headlight bulb replacement on this model Malibu is "Remove the front bumper." Poor design for maintenance.
GMC content... The Malibu is reported to be good for a towd but a little heavy at close to 4000lbs.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268389 is a reply to message #268387] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 20:40 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Mike,
Can you tow it on the flat? Or do you need a transmission pump? Did you remove the front wheels when you did the light bulb? I just shoved a 2X4 between the inner and outer fender to get at the hidden bolts after turning the wheels back and forth.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268391 is a reply to message #268387] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 21:10 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Ray and Mike,
The engineers got right. Make the job as difficult as possible for the DYI person, and as much profit for the dealer/garage as possible.
I have always done my own car maintenance, and it's beyond my understand how average income persons can afford to have the dealer do all their vehicle maintenance.
Maybe there's a secret in life I failed to learn.
mike miller wrote on Sat, 27 December 2014 20:22Ray R. wrote on Sat, 27 December 2014 18:09... I see by your signoff that you have a late model Malibu. I changed the headlight bulb in my 2011 last weekend and it took 2.5 hrs. ...
Just did it for the first time less than a month ago. (Owned the car, a 2008, for 5 years.) It took me about 4 hours but I did both sides.
For info for other readers, the first step in headlight bulb replacement on this model Malibu is "Remove the front bumper." Poor design for maintenance.
GMC content... The Malibu is reported to be good for a towd but a little heavy at close to 4000lbs.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268400 is a reply to message #268320] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 22:00 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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I've ben driving with a burned out headlight on my 05 Ram for about 2 months now. The drivers side. The passenger side is a reach in and pull the socket and replace the bulb. The drivers side is a lay on your back and remove the bolts that hold the headlight assembly to replace the bulb, then lay back down and etc, etc, etc.
I hate engineers, have to deal with them 2-3 times a week at my plant.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268402 is a reply to message #268400] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 22:48 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Jared,
First of all let me make it clear that I am NOT an engineer, I am a technician. If you read my profile you can see "where I come
from."
I'm disappointed to read your last sentence; when I worked Project Apollo the technicians worked as a team. We taught engineers how
to do "stuff." They in turn taught us how to "run the numbers."
I'd say we were pretty successful wouldn't you?
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Jared
I've ben driving with a burned out headlight on my 05 Ram for about 2 months now. The drivers side. The passenger side is a reach in
and pull the socket and replace the bulb. The drivers side is a lay on your back and remove the bolts that hold the headlight
assembly to replace the bulb, then lay back down and etc, etc, etc.
I hate engineers, have to deal with them 2-3 times a week at my plant.
Jared
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268403 is a reply to message #268387] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 22:52 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
Is it possible that the styling guys created a front end look that the engineers had to cope with and make work?
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Miller
Ray R. wrote on Sat, 27 December 2014 18:09
> ... I see by your signoff that you have a late model Malibu. I changed the headlight bulb in my 2011 last weekend and it took 2.5
hrs. ...
Just did it for the first time less than a month ago. (Owned the car, a 2008, for 5 years.) It took me about 4 hours but I did both
sides.
For info for other readers, the first step in headlight bulb replacement on this model Malibu is "Remove the front bumper." Poor
design for maintenance.
GMC content... The Malibu is reported to be good for a towd but a little heavy at close to 4000lbs.
Mike
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268408 is a reply to message #268389] |
Sun, 28 December 2014 00:02 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ray,
Q: Can you tow it on the flat?
A: I bought it thinking that I could. But being the "top of the line" LTZ model, with a bigger engine than most, it has a different transmission than other Malibu's. (It is a 6 speed auto that was devloped with Ford.) I THINK it is still good for flat towing, but I also found out it is heaver than I expected, so the motivation to set it up to flat tow is less. I slected this exact year/model as it has adjustable petals. (Wife is rather small... 4'7".) I have several rigs that are better for flat towing, so I doubt I'll ever install a base plate on the "Boo."
Q: Did you remove the front wheels when you did the light bulb?
A: no, I just turned the wheels to one side. I also used a 2x4 block to hold the inner fender out of the way. I took pictures and really should put a write-up on my projects blog. (Lately that has been mostly SideKick stuff but some GMC.)
I suspect the bulbs were the ones from the factory, and they are used for the day time driving lights, so they do have quite a good life span. I installed the highest quality (long life not high light output) bulbs I could find. I might not have to ever do the job again as they lasted 6 years.
I am sure the design was a compromise between the "look" and the requirement for replacement.
I also work with a high number of engineers. All I can say is: "The are engineers and there are Engineers."
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268410 is a reply to message #268408] |
Sun, 28 December 2014 00:46 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
Just as there are ENGINEERS and engineers there are MECHANICS and mechanics! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Miller
Ray,
Q: Can you tow it on the flat?
A: I bought it thinking that I could. But being the "top of the line" LTZ model, with a bigger engine than most, it has a different
transmission than other Malibu's. (It is a 6 speed auto that was devloped with Ford.) I THINK it is still good for flat towing,
but I also found out it is heaver than I expected, so the motivation to set it up to flat tow is less. I slected this exact
year/model as it has adjustable petals. (Wife is rather small... 4'7".) I have several rigs that are better for flat towing, so I
doubt I'll ever install a base plate on the "Boo."
Q: Did you remove the front wheels when you did the light bulb?
A: no, I just turned the wheels to one side. I also used a 2x4 block to hold the inner fender out of the way. I took pictures and
really should put a write-up on my projects blog. (Lately that has been mostly SideKick stuff but some GMC.)
I suspect the bulbs were the ones from the factory, and they are used for the day time driving lights, so they do have quite a good
life span. I installed the highest quality (long life not high light output) bulbs I could find. I might not have to ever do the
job again as they lasted 6 years.
I am sure the design was a compromise between the "look" and the requirement for replacement.
I also work with a high number of engineers. All I can say is: "The are engineers and there are Engineers."
Mike
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Modifying Cockpit Step [message #268411 is a reply to message #268410] |
Sun, 28 December 2014 02:34 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1500
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Just as there are ENGINEERS and engineers there are MECHANICS and
mechanics! ;-)
And then there is the management!! ;-)
On Sat, Dec 27, 2014 at 11:46 PM, Robert Mueller
wrote:
> Mike,
>
> Just as there are ENGINEERS and engineers there are MECHANICS and
> mechanics! ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Miller
>
> Ray,
> Q: Can you tow it on the flat?
> A: I bought it thinking that I could. But being the "top of the line" LTZ
> model, with a bigger engine than most, it has a different
> transmission than other Malibu's. (It is a 6 speed auto that was devloped
> with Ford.) I THINK it is still good for flat towing,
> but I also found out it is heaver than I expected, so the motivation to
> set it up to flat tow is less. I slected this exact
> year/model as it has adjustable petals. (Wife is rather small... 4'7".)
> I have several rigs that are better for flat towing, so I
> doubt I'll ever install a base plate on the "Boo."
>
> Q: Did you remove the front wheels when you did the light bulb?
> A: no, I just turned the wheels to one side. I also used a 2x4 block to
> hold the inner fender out of the way. I took pictures and
> really should put a write-up on my projects blog. (Lately that has been
> mostly SideKick stuff but some GMC.)
>
> I suspect the bulbs were the ones from the factory, and they are used for
> the day time driving lights, so they do have quite a good
> life span. I installed the highest quality (long life not high light
> output) bulbs I could find. I might not have to ever do the
> job again as they lasted 6 years.
>
> I am sure the design was a compromise between the "look" and the
> requirement for replacement.
>
> I also work with a high number of engineers. All I can say is: "The are
> engineers and there are Engineers."
>
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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