| [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 12:16  |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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I just scored a great deal on an original GMC ladder. Our coach doesn't have
a ladder, and I'd been wanting one. So, how were the ladders attached originally?
I'm guessing it doesn't just screw through the fiberglass. Is there
some kind of washer, wood pieces, or backing plates behind the skin to support the screws?
I can come up with something, but it'd be nice to know how GM did it.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88545 is a reply to message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 13:28  |
KB
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Thanks! I knew somebody on this amazing list would know. I'll have to see if I can find the special anchored nuts so I
can remove the ladder to paint the beast later without having to take the interior out (again). Lots on the list to do before that project.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
> I have recently taken off my (bent) ladder and know what it looks like on the back! My ladder was bent by a PO and I am not sure if the hardware is still stock, but this is what I have got:
>
> Above the rear window they are just screws into the fiberglass. It is sufficiently reinforced on the back of the hatch at that point and just go into a blind hole. They are not visible or accessible from the back.
>
> In the middle of the hatch, below the rear window, they are put in with those expanding nuts. I am not sure what the technical term for them is, but is like a T nut that compresses and expands to make an anchor. Larger version of what the clearance lights are mounted with.
>
> Lower anchor is also the expanding nut.
>
>
>
> Other than that, there is NO reinforcement on the interior. I am going to make backing plate for them before I reinstall a ladder. I already have my interior removed so a simple matter to just add something now.
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88549 is a reply to message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 13:48 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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They are probably using Rivet Nuts. McMaster-Carr stocks them, though you would have to purchase the setting tool as well (the plier-type are not all that expensive. You could also set them with some epoxy in the hole to further prevent them from turning. I think this would be the best way to attach the ladder while still making it removable for painting, etc.
I have read that Harbor-Freight also has a kit with these nuts and a setting tool.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88557 is a reply to message #88552] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 14:41 |
bumpersticker
Messages: 60
Registered: February 2004
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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KB
I went through several different ways of keeping my ladder attached. I found that what worked the best was "well nuts".
Well nuts are used on boats and expand in the hole in the fiberglass as you tighten the screw. They not only seal the hole
but also act as a shock absorber when someone is on the ladder.
The well nuts can't be used for all of the holes but they work nicely for the ones that don't have any backing. Worked for me.
Bob Cook
78 Birchaven
75 Avion (In work)
Redondo Beach, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88571 is a reply to message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 16:05 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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That sounds like a good approach. It has the advantage in that they can be installed from the outside
(thus not having to undo my interior work) and seals out the weather. Mollies would work, but would
require some kind of sealant.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
>
> I went through several different ways of keeping my ladder attached. I found that what worked the best was "well nuts".
> Well nuts are used on boats and expand in the hole in the fiberglass as you tighten the screw. They not only seal the hole
> but also act as a shock absorber when someone is on the ladder.
> The well nuts can't be used for all of the holes but they work nicely for the ones that don't have any backing. Worked for me.
> --
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88577 is a reply to message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 16:35 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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WARNING WARNING WARNING!
Be careful when you put screws or drill holes into the rear panel ESPECIALLY
at the bottom just above the bumper there are LOTS OF WIRES that just on the
inside!
I'm sure you can figure out how I know that!
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of KB
Sent: Tuesday, 15 June 2010 3:17 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] how is the rear ladder attached?
I just scored a great deal on an original GMC ladder. Our coach doesn't
have
a ladder, and I'd been wanting one. So, how were the ladders attached
originally?
I'm guessing it doesn't just screw through the fiberglass. Is there
some kind of washer, wood pieces, or backing plates behind the skin to
support the screws?
I can come up with something, but it'd be nice to know how GM did it.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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] how is the rear ladder attached? [message #88610 is a reply to message #88536] |
Mon, 14 June 2010 22:02 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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The rivit nuts are nice, but you do have to know the thickness of the panel as they do work like mollys.
I would imagine that anything that helps spread the load from the ladder would be good, but you would have to remove the rear cap to gain access to the inner surface of the ladder area. Then again, it's not all that big a job to remove the rear inner cap if you really want to do the job as well as possible.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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