Member Since: 03 Aug 2022
Location: Wokingham
Posts: 69
Side steps
So.... my side steps have seen better days. Very rusty, even pushing through the paint.
What are your thoughts on aftermarket? I'm looking for a new pair which offer good price AND good build quality.
Recommendations from anyone who's bought and fitted some....
12th Sep 2022 6:52 pm
Scott #55
Member Since: 15 Apr 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 1684
Take off the trim behind the steps and check it properly - a lot of debris gets trapped in there and can cause severe rusting. I speak form bitter and expensive experience.
12th Sep 2022 9:06 pm
NC500
Member Since: 18 Sep 2017
Location: On the NC500
Posts: 549
Aftermarket have lasted me 5 years and now need replacing. I echo comments about treating and protecting the sills - I’ve coated the interior and exterior in Dinitrol.
I’ve just bought a replacement set from Rimmers and before fitting this set I’ve dismantled them and painted all surfaces in Jotun 87. I expect this will protect this set for at least 10 years.
13th Sep 2022 6:47 am
Moleshome
Member Since: 15 Oct 2020
Location: Wokingham
Posts: 412
Bin them.
Mine couldn't have been more than 6 years old and already rotted. I replaced mine with a set of rock sliders.
13th Sep 2022 10:50 am
qcnr
Member Since: 23 Nov 2017
Location: Norway
Posts: 117
Replaced mine with rock/ treesliders, that I had galvanized and then I painted them black.
Look much better, are stronger and will outlast the vehicle.
13th Sep 2022 11:27 am
thisandy
Member Since: 28 Jan 2018
Location: Pembrokeshire
Posts: 308
My aftermarket side steps are failing after five years,rust underneath the rubbers pushing them out. I found these on Direct 4x4,stainless steel and aluminium, I’m tempted.
Click image to enlarge
14th Sep 2022 3:54 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4252
plus one for rock/tree sliders... no more muck behind the plastic trim and an ideal opportunity to strip everything off and seal it properly..I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
14th Sep 2022 4:15 pm
AndyPembs
Member Since: 03 Aug 2022
Location: Wokingham
Posts: 69
thisandy wrote:
My aftermarket side steps are failing after five years,rust underneath the rubbers pushing them out. I found these on Direct 4x4,stainless steel and aluminium, I’m tempted.
Click image to enlarge
These look great! I'm searching for a discount code.....
14th Sep 2022 7:24 pm
AndyPembs
Member Since: 03 Aug 2022
Location: Wokingham
Posts: 69
qcnr wrote:
Replaced mine with rock/ treesliders, that I had galvanized and then I painted them black.
Look much better, are stronger and will outlast the vehicle.
Mind if I ask which you bought? There seem to be so many, varying prices - and presumably varying quality levels!
14th Sep 2022 7:54 pm
ronp
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 15269
In reality, you can’t class rock sliders and tree sliders as the same item and especially with side steps.
(but today they all seem to be classified as one in the same.)
Original true definitions:
Tree sliders protrude from the body (in a similar way to side steps) and are to prevent tree damage to the sides of the vehicle.
Rock sliders are inboard and are essentially reinforced sill structures that are designed to prevent sill damage when rock crawling.
Side steps are useful for those with less mobility, ideally fitted for use by the infirm/elderly.
Do Not off-road with side steps for sill/body protection, on the lightest impact the steps can bend up and therefore prevent opening of the doors....... always on the road less travelled 🚧
< ‘tis but a mere scratch …….. it’ll polish out.
14th Sep 2022 8:39 pm
qcnr
Member Since: 23 Nov 2017
Location: Norway
Posts: 117
AndyPembs wrote:
qcnr wrote:
Replaced mine with rock/ treesliders, that I had galvanized and then I painted them black.
Look much better, are stronger and will outlast the vehicle.
Mind if I ask which you bought? There seem to be so many, varying prices - and presumably varying quality levels!
TP4x4.
Galvanising was extra, and painting galv needs a special procedure to get a good result, but doable at home.[/quote]
15th Sep 2022 8:22 am
V8 Noise
Member Since: 11 Aug 2022
Location: Dereham
Posts: 31
Whilst on the subject can anyone recommend side steps that are a little lower than stck. The one's on mine are shot with rust so need replacing and I'd like to get something the sits lower than current so tge SWMBO has easier access.
15th Sep 2022 9:40 am
OliverRR91
Member Since: 03 Oct 2022
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 11
Just removed 6 year old sidesteps which were totally knackered..beyond poor build quality.
4th Oct 2022 8:35 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8243
I don’t think it’s the quality of the steps it’s the crap painting, a coat of Hammerite when new would possibly double their life, big danger is if a passenger puts their foot through them when getting in, I wonder how you would stand (no pun intended) for insurance?It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
5th Oct 2022 7:31 am
jimbo55
Member Since: 10 May 2022
Location: England
Posts: 38
I’d be looking at the rock slider route, I have recently fitted prospeed ones with the full infill section so they look and act as side steps, whilst having the additional strength from being rock sliders 👍
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