Fuselage Step for 1980 M20K

[mladen]

My 1980 M20K does not have a fuselage mounted step. I am not sure if it was an optional accessory, or if was a casualty of a prior gear up. I would like to install a step if possible. Can this be done? How extensive is the work? Where can I get the parts for the step? Thanks for any advise, or referrals you can provide. Please feel to contact me at adenml@gmail.com.

Mike

[Ragsf15e]

Lasar has had them on their website ($$) in the past.  You might also find one from salvage.  Make sure a salvage one isn’t internally corroded.  
 

Is there evidence of a covered over hole in the belly behind the wing?  Might have some sheet metal work there…

[mladen]

I checked local salvage, no joy. I will check the for evidence of prior step when out at airport later this week. Thanks for the speedy reply.

[Fly Boomer]

14 minutes ago, mladen said:

My 1980 M20K does not have a fuselage mounted step. I am not sure if it was an optional accessory, or if was a casualty of a prior gear up. I would like to install a step if possible. Can this be done? How extensive is the work? Where can I get the parts for the step? Thanks for any advise, or referrals you can provide. Please feel to contact me at adenml@gmail.com.

Mike

Some genius removed the step from mine, so if it can be removed, it can be re-installed.  Eventually, I'll probably do what you are doing, and chase down a replacement.

[carusoam]

Let’s do this…

Invite the guy who deals in pre-flown parts…. @Alan Fox  (step for a mid body)

then invite Rob @takair to power it…

Go retract step!

Best regards,

-a-

[ArtVandelay]

Steps were definitely optional during early M20J and K production.  My previous ‘78 J did not have one and being much taller than average I was happy it didn’t.  I’m pretty sure that the bracket needed to support the step was welded into all of the M20 “roll cages” during that time, so adding a used step from that era should only require very minor sheet metal work and the appropriate AN hardware.  

My 78 never had one either, PO put in 1 piece fiberglass belly, so I think mine would require a bit more customization if I needed to install a step.

I assume any belly landing would require repairs that have to be documented in the logs.

[flyboy0681]

Somewhat related but unrelated, three weeks ago I was maneuvering from the wing and missed the step, falling flat on my back. Only through the grace of God did I not break anything. It may not look like it, but it's a long way down.

Be careful out there.

[Guest]

16 hours ago, mladen said:

My 1980 M20K does not have a fuselage mounted step. I am not sure if it was an optional accessory, or if was a casualty of a prior gear up. I would like to install a step if possible. Can this be done? How extensive is the work? Where can I get the parts for the step? Thanks for any advise, or referrals you can provide. Please feel to contact me at adenml@gmail.com.

Mike

From the parts manual,

[trevttu76]

My '78 J did not have one when I purchased it.  It was removed, but thankfully in a box given to me upon purchase of the plane.  I assume it was done to increase speed.  

It was removed "correctly" with clean riveting the hole; good news is that if I decide to re-install it would be very easy.  Of course, I guess I could sell it (although not wanting to do that at this time).  

 

I built a set of heavy wooden steps that I leave in my hangar to allow easy on/off the wingwalk. The height of the top step is below the flap and anything I could hit when backing into the hangar.  I leave the steps there 100% of the time, just have to slide them a few inches depending on how I did putting the plane in the hangar.  

I also have a very light and small step I keep in the baggage compartment at all times.  Not so much for me, but any passengers who might need a hand.  

I too fell once getting out and stepping down.  My hands were full and the step I had on the ground (my old small plastic) slid our from me.  iPad, drink, and myself all went flying.  Hurt like heck and I don't know how only a chipped iPad edge was the only damage, that and me ego.  Never step down without grabbing the baggage handle for stability...    This also explains the upgraded heavy wood steps I have now.

[SheryLoewen]

Loewen's Mooney Salvage

[carusoam]

@mladen…

Looks like your ship has come in…

1) The fixed step is detailed in the parts manual… see M20Doc above…

2) What it looks like is presented by SheryL above… 

Contact SheryL for price on the one in the pic… it may be for sale…

Best regards,

-a-

Edited February 8, 2023 by carusoam

[1980Mooney]

Beautiful welding....  Almost a shame that it needs to be painted.  I wonder if it was by man or machine.

[Marc_B]

What the heck does it mean when even Mooney is saying something is "Non-Procurable"!?!?  is this a super special type of unobtanium?  And if it was non-procurable back in the 1980's when the factory was alive...hmmm.

[carusoam]

22 minutes ago, 1980Mooney said:

Beautiful welding....  Almost a shame that it needs to be painted.  I wonder if it was by man or machine.

Looks like it may be stainless steel…

the HAZs heat affected zones caused by the welding look similar…

PP thoughts only, not a welder…

Best regards,

-a-

[Igor_U]

8 hours ago, Marc_B said:

What the heck does it mean when even Mooney is saying something is "Non-Procurable"!?!?  is this a super special type of unobtanium?  And if it was non-procurable back in the 1980's when the factory was alive...hmmm.

I believe this means you can't buy those parts separately but only in -1 assy (complete step).