There are two metal steps bolted to the pilot and copilot side to help you enter the cockpit. When I bought my DA40, these were poorly painted. I stripped the paint and polished what I assume is stainless steel. I got both to a mirror finish. However, they soon corroded. I tried waxing them. Then I coated them in polyurethane. But to no avail. They develop rust spots even under the polyurethane.
Can anyone advise how to preserve the metal finish and stop the corrosion?
Thanks!
Refinishing steps
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- perossichi
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- firedwg1
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Re: Refinishing steps
Might want to try to have it chromed or ceramic coated. Unprotected medal will oxidize.
- Tom-B
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Re: Refinishing steps
Peter, I too am in the same boat with my steps on my 2002 D40.
Has anyone had any experience having a 3rd party chrome their Diamond’s steps?
Has anyone had any experience having a 3rd party chrome their Diamond’s steps?
- CFIDave
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Re: Refinishing steps
I would just paint them white -- that's how brand new DA40NGs are delivered from the factory.
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
- Rich
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Re: Refinishing steps
The older DA40's came unpainted and one attaches the static clip directly to the step. So if one were to paint them you'd also need to add that little bare metal grounding strip provided in the later airframes.
Mine, over the years, has acquired what I choose to describe as an attractive bronzing effect.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
- perossichi
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Re: Refinishing steps
Thx for all of the suggestions. Getting the steps chromed would involve removing them which appears to be a real pain.
I’m going to try one more ‘quack’ remedy. Clean, remove use, polish and coat with Protectaclear.
Next thing you know, I’ll be putting Marvel Mystery oil in the plane
I’m going to try one more ‘quack’ remedy. Clean, remove use, polish and coat with Protectaclear.
Next thing you know, I’ll be putting Marvel Mystery oil in the plane
Sold 2002. Powerflo, Hartzell composite two blade, 530W/430, 345 transponder.
- jwx96
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Re: Refinishing steps
Mine were white with peeling black non skid tape on the top. At my last annual they removed the tape and painted the top with black non skid paint. I think they look good.