Do You Like Your Running Boards?

[skyrat]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

We sell a lot of Aluminess Nerf Bars - great product!

When mounted correctly (they mount to the body), they are very stable and add greatly to the ease of getting in and out of the van.

You will lose some break over ground clearance...

I also really like the FORD factory running boards. I just bought some used ones to go on one of my vans. All of the others have the Aluminess Nerf Bars - which look great.

What He Said!
And, unlike just about everything else Aluminess, they are comparatively low in price...

[alta825]

Anybody running the N-Fab bars on their rig? Seems to be lower profile than the Aluminess ones while still having a decent step
Manufacturers of high quality Nerf Steps, Prerunners, Harley Bars, Light Bars, Replacement Front Bumpers, Rock Rails, Rear Runners, Tire Carriers & Truck Accessories

[Jsweezy]

I vote for JWA style. It may be ugly but it gets the job done and probably costed a lot less.

[Stillvanin]

Pretty sure AMP discontinued running boards for Econolines.

[rallypanam]

Originally Posted by Stillvanin

Pretty sure AMP discontinued running boards for Econolines.

Yes, but a former AMP employee was putting together kits:

Bruce Landfield
bruce@specializedapplications.com
(714) 742-9606

[JWA]

Originally Posted by Otter

Thanks for all this great information. I've been doing a lot of reading in the last week and still wondering about this frame vs body mounting "issue".

BTW, JWA, your steps...no beauty contest winner there.

EDIT:...using factory holes and not drilling new ones you're not introducing a rust isssue. Have I got that right?

Largely depending on your climate rust IS a BIG concern when new holes are drilled or cut into the original body. Most vehicles today have a high grade rust resistant envelop for the entire body as it rolls off the production line. Cutting into that by any means is an opening for rust to begin. Once started it eats its way through the metal under the rust envelope.

FWIW I'm a former body shop owner, currently installing windshields etc so know a bit about preventing rust. The simple act of replacing a windshield can introduce many rust openings----if left untreated the results sometimes seen within a year or so. So................

Looking at my ugly installation you'll see no new holes anywhere in the body----that was 100% by design, adapted my steps accordingly. Running board mounts that utilize factory openings in the pinchweld are perfectly acceptable---there's no drilling or cutting required.

Factory E-Series boards are carried pretty much 100% by the frame which would be my preferred mounting method. Do keep in mind neither of my vans do any off roading of any sort so perhaps my mounting style would conflict with that sort of use.

Another FWIW: as much of a rust bucket my '03 has become not one portion of the mounting areas show any signs of rust after almost 4 years use in the Ohio climate.

[Gooseberry]

I was super happy with the first set of steps Mike made for my van but I quickly did them in so the second set and a design upgrade made them perfect. They are aluminum and pretty thick walled so I might not crush them this time.


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[Jsweezy]

Who is Mike and how do I get him to make that step so it's below only the side barn doors?

[Gooseberry]

Originally Posted by Jsweezy

Who is Mike and how do I get him to make that step so it's below only the side barn doors?

I just sent you a pm with his number.

Having a short one might be hard to mount depending on what you have under the body at that point but he will figure it out.

[BrianW]

Somebody just posted OEM running boards in the classified section here, under "Quigley parts," for $100