Looking to Build Custom Side Steps/ Running Boards

[Moises559]

I'm looking into building some custom side steps or running boards. Does anyone have any that they have built or designed. I'm going to be putting rebar running boards, specifically #18 Rebar, it weighs about 1 pound per inch. I need durable mounting brackets or hardware from other running boards.

Sponsored

 

[animusrien]

I'm looking into building some custom side steps or running boards. Does anyone have any that they have built or designed. I'm going to be putting rebar running boards, specifically #18 Rebar, it weighs about 1 pound per inch. I need durable mounting brackets or hardware from other running boards.

I don't know about what you're doing but for the rebar, steer clear of HomeDepot/WhiteCap. Do not buy rebar from the Deacero Mexico mill. Preferably get A615 GR60 from Nucor, CMC, or Cascade. Best bet it is to get it directly from a rebar yard and ask for mill certs. You can read the bar marks after to confirm or they might cut from a tagged bundle in front of you.

If you haven't decorated with rebar before, do realize it rusts heavily and will need a coating to clean up. I would personally coat them in a rust-proofing primer before finishing them. Do not put bedliner directly on it, all brands are known to chip away and get water intrusion from that type of application.

 

[Camaroboi13]

I used the factory sliders and welded schedule 40 tubing to them. It held up fine but ultimately the Mrs said I could buy sliders from a company that can weld a little better than I can

 

[Deleted member 52902]

One of the problems I often see is that with painted or even powder coated, steel mounting brackets, over time rust will come to pass. Mostly where the brackets are bolted onto the JEEP. But then I live where we have snow in the Winter. These brackets get snow-slush packed on them and that hangs on for a bit of time. I usually walk around the JEEP and knock some of this off but it's just life in snow driving.

This summer I sandblasted the brackets, primed, painted and painted again with rattle can undercoating. I might see if I can get some stainless steel bolts to use instead of what the running boards came with. Probably spendy if the size is available but I think worth it for extended life.

 

[Moises559]

I don't know about what you're doing but for the rebar, steer clear of HomeDepot/WhiteCap. Do not buy rebar from the Deacero Mexico mill. Preferably get A615 GR60 from Nucor, CMC, or Cascade. Best bet it is to get it directly from a rebar yard and ask for mill certs. You can read the bar marks after to confirm or they might cut from a tagged bundle in front of you.

If you haven't decorated with rebar before, do realize it rusts heavily and will need a coating to clean up. I would personally coat them in a rust-proofing primer before finishing them. Do not put bedliner directly on it, all brands are known to chip away and get water intrusion from that type of application.

I work as an ironworker and we have extra #18 size rebar, so I kinda wanted to use it up since I have never seen anyone do it.. but honestly your right about the rust

 

[MarkN]

I also used the factory slider. I welded schedule 80 pipe using elbows and 1/4” bracing. I welded perforated plate for the front step and solid plate for the rear for our dog. I didn’t want him catching a nail in the perforated plate. I had the steps from my old Jeep so I welded brackets for them front and rear. The steps can be removed or moved to the back.

Mark

Sponsored