Cost to install a new stepwell?

[RomaniGypsy]

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?

 

[Booyah45828]

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.

 

[Booyah45828]

Double post

 

[RomaniGypsy]

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...

 

[boojiewoojie]

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.

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

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.