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Old 06-29-2018, 07:21 AM   #1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Conneaut, Ohio
Posts: 189
Year: 2004
Chassis: International CE 300
Engine: DT466E
Rated Cap: 71 passenger / 12 window
Cost to install a new stepwell?

Northeast Ohio and the rust is no joke. I can either reinforce the stepwell I have, or get a new one installed. I know it is possible to get a new one installed. How much could I expect to pay for that (just a standard school bus stepwell) at a dealer or other shop?

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Old 06-29-2018, 09:32 AM   #2
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: West Ohio
Posts: 3,673
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: International 1753
Engine: 6.9 International
Rated Cap: 65
Can't help you on the cost.

I replaced mine with 3/16 steel when I bought my bus. It was already patched/siliconed and I'm against patching over a patch. I think I paid 80 bucks for the steel and I cut and welded it all myself in a day. Getting the old steps out wasn't a picnic, a lot of cutting, beating, and hacking. The new ones went in pretty easily with a car jack. I then pre-drilled the steps and used probably 40 self tapping 3/8 inch bolts to install it.

I imagine a weld shop could tackle the job but I don't have a clue as to what they would charge.
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Old 06-29-2018, 09:33 AM   #3
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: West Ohio
Posts: 3,673
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: International 1753
Engine: 6.9 International
Rated Cap: 65
Double post
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Old 06-29-2018, 08:52 PM   #4
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Conneaut, Ohio
Posts: 189
Year: 2004
Chassis: International CE 300
Engine: DT466E
Rated Cap: 71 passenger / 12 window
Sometimes I get to thinking that I should learn how to weld. Everyone talks about how they welded this and that to their buses... and here I am, with no clue how to weld...
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Old 06-29-2018, 09:04 PM   #5
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 264
Yeah, I've thought about taking a welding class at the tech school. Very useful on a bus!

I stressed about the stepwell on my bus because I was keeping it in service until it was paid for. I had limited time to get it in service so I fiberglassed it underneath after I got rid of a good bit of the rust.

I think the complete units are like $500 dollars plus labor to install.
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Old 06-29-2018, 10:35 PM   #6
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,264
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: IH
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 14
If I were to replace my step well, I would fabricate my new one from so-called Diamond Plate aluminum. Another Skoolie did this (or something with similar appearance) and I think it looked great. Of course precautions would need to be taken to prevent future electrolysis of dissimilar metals. And the actual step treads might get something even more non-slip than the aluminum.
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