Trimming the F-623 ribs for the side steps - 3 hours

Tonight was a lot of head scratching on how to fit the side step tubes and scallop the F-623 ribs.  I wanted to make sure that the F-776 floor skin was sitting flush with the top of the F-770 side skin. I used a toothpick in the relief hole to hold it up.

At first I started to eye ball it and sketch the scallop. Lots of un-clecoing and re-clecoing, checking and re-checking. The plans have the best suggestion using a straight edge to mark the edges of the holes....then you just work out the scallop depth from there. Not easy, but just work slowly at it.
I used a sharpie marker in the scallop, and then would fit the step. I'd rotate the step a number of times which would remove the sharpie from the high points on the rib. I'd know exactly where to trim the material down.


I managed to get the scalloping perfect for the right side step.

In the end, an excellent fit.

I just need to trim the 1 1/2" tube down but I'll save all that adjustment work for later.