Repairing Rear Steps on Lionel F3

Unless the steps are broken, I've simply done a careful masking job of the steps alone and sprayed the frame and horizontal portion of the step piece (that attaches to the frame) when changing frame colors.

These were PW F-3 units with staked steps.

Good luck with your project.

So, I have that much thought, but many of the steps were rusted, broken or did break when bent back into position.  So, unfortunately, I am already at the point where 2/3s of 14 frames have the steps removed.  I have already ordered some 20 step frames to replace the bent / broken ones.  Some still have both rivet studs there, but most are either lacking one or both rivets.  So, now I need a "permanent" solution to this issue.  Anyone had luck drilling out and tapping a new hole for the steps?  I would think something like a #10 1/2" screw would be sufficient (primed and painted first).  I am assuming I can find a #10 tap, but to be honest I have not gotten that far!

I could still use JB Weld on it.  That stuff never comes off.  If I were to go that route should I leave an area under the frame and the steps bare metal for better adhesion or will properly cured paint hold it on?  It's not like anybody actually climbs it.

Scott

I super glued the step on my fathers turbine similar to what you're dealing with around twenty five years ago and it's still holding, but if I were going to drill and tap I would go with something smaller than a #10.

The only reason I threw out a #10, was that I wasn't real sure what Lowe's carried in a smaller tap.  I can run up there and look.  I just didn't want to snap off drill bits or taps doing this.