Bottom companion way step supports bav 32 (2002)

[filban]

Need to replace the removable bottom step supports as the ply doesn’t hold the screws
Thinking of cutting away the vertical ply which looks like it’s stapled on and replace with a hardwood strip
Anyone done this ?

[Symphony]

Rather than go to all that trouble, suggest you reinforce the area where the screw holes are - by gluing on a strip of ply and drilling the original holes out to take plastic wall plugs of the correct size for your screws.

[Salty]

Rather than go to all that trouble, suggest you reinforce the area where the screw holes are - by gluing on a strip of ply and drilling the original holes out to take plastic wall plugs of the correct size for your screws.

Another alternative would be to drill right through and bolt the supports to the ply backing using “penny” washers on the engine side of the ply and with screw headed long stainless bolts going through. You could even just simply use thicker screws by going up a couple of millimetres in diameter. On my B36(2002) the panel to which the bottom step is secured, was not secure at the ends where that panel met the sides of the engine compartment. I redrilled the holes and fitted thicker stainless wood screws. Apart from taking it off periodically to gain better access for changing the raw water impeller, the bottom step panel has been secure for around eight years. The original screws were very thin and didn’t have much chance of providing a decent grip.

[filban]

Thanks for your suggestions
Will try the wall plug option first