Operation "Raise Factory Running Boards"

[Beach_Bum]

Hopefully, I'll be able to undertake the simple mod this weekend. I had considered the TPM Plastics linked earlier. But they wanted $28 just to ship four blocks of the plastic in addition to the $15 charge. Not extravagant of a cost, just seemed wrong to spend double in shipping to ship. So I was clued into a different direction when another poster had to go to Lowe's to get a different blade to cut the plastic they were using. So I went to Lowe's just to see what I could repurpose and they have composite (PVC) decking. They offer free samples of TimberTech that are 1" thick 4"x5". The associate at the Pro Sales counter gave me one, but referred me to the TimberTech website for additional samples. TimberTech will send up to 4 samples free of charge w/ free shipping. Their samples are larger than the one given at Lowe's. I chose the darkest finishes (Dark Hickory seems like the darkest).

All finished.

I should have bought the bolts from Amazon that was linked earlier from the get go. I figured I could find them locally. But apparently 45mm is rarer than hen's teeth. Ended up ordering the bolts leaving the unfinished project in clamps until they were delivered.

I ended up using the free sample from TimberTech. Dark Hickory from the Vintage Collection seemed to have the darkest finish. What you see is the underside of the deck board. The Vintage Collection is exactly 1" thick.

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[FreddieLee]

Did this on my Wildtrak. Gotta love OEM enhancements.

 

[JR23]

Just got around to finishing this mod after ordering the parts last month. Overall a cool mod for stock boards.

The Amazon orders bolts work great but were already showing light signs of rust after a week in the salt here in the Northeast.

I would highly recommend sourcing 1” thick material. I used the cutting board but twice the cutting and drilling and my cutting was less than perfect (using a saber saw).

The clips are the devil and taking time to tighten and straighten them helps but I am still missing a bolt on one side and basically gave up.

 

[BigRed13]

Just got this done on mine (my wifes actually) today. Was able to find a one inch thick cutting board on Amazon that was large enough to cut all six pieces from. Amazon.com: Restaurant Thick Black Plastic Cutting Board, 18x12, 1 Inch Thick: Home & Kitchen ($25) Also, had a few of the clips that were sliding around. I put a dab of super glue on them and let them set up while I was cutting the boards. Wish I would have done that on the first side I tried doing!

 

[Beach_Bum]

Just revisiting this thread and to emphasize what a difference the 1" makes (TWSS). Mine have held up just fine. Never really needed the steps. Have a set of rock rails that are easily swapped out. But the steps serve a purpose of catching gravel. I look forward to SCE with the raised steps as they will save my paint when navigating Rich Mtn, Parson Branch, Sparks Lane and other roads out of Cades Cove.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

All finished.

I should have bought the bolts from Amazon that was linked earlier from the get go. I figured I could find them locally. But apparently 45mm is rarer than hen's teeth. Ended up ordering the bolts leaving the unfinished project in clamps until they were delivered.

I ended up using the free sample from TimberTech. Dark Hickory from the Vintage Collection seemed to have the darkest finish. What you see is the underside of the deck board. The Vintage Collection is exactly 1" thick.

Did you have to trim the samples down? Or did you just use them as is?

 

[Beach_Bum]

Did you have to trim the samples down? Or did you just use them as is?

They were trimmed using my circular miter saw. The samples come in 12" pieces. If you hit up the local HD for the free sample, they are 4"x4" samples. But the Pro Desk will only give out a sample or two. Ordering from TimberTech is free up to 4 samples.

The only issue I've seen is with the Amazon hardware linked earlier. It is so hard to find quality hardware. As I mentioned in my earlier write-up, I had tried to source the hardware locally, but had no luck as the size is popular and was unavailable at the different stores. Ended up getting the Amazon set. I've already noticed them rusting so I'll brush them down and blast with the rattle can.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

They were trimmed using my circular miter saw. The samples come in 12" pieces. If you hit up the local HD for the free sample, they are 4"x4" samples. But the Pro Desk will only give out a sample or two. Ordering from TimberTech is free up to 4 samples.

The only issue I've seen is with the Amazon hardware linked earlier. It is so hard to find quality hardware. As I mentioned in my earlier write-up, I had tried to source the hardware locally, but had no luck as the size is popular and was unavailable at the different stores. Ended up getting the Amazon set. I've already noticed them rusting so I'll brush them down and blast with the rattle can.

Oops... wish I knew that before I ordered 4 samples of it . Seems McMaster has stainless steel screws that match so I might go with those. Thanks!

 

[Beach_Bum]

Oops... wish I knew that before I ordered 4 samples of it . Seems McMaster has stainless steel screws that match so I might go with those. Thanks!

Chop up what you need and pass along the samples to another Bronco owner looking to raise their steps. Also, on the TimberTech's website they do give the dimension of the samples. Depending on which product line, there are varying width and thickness. But if people order the sample that I mentioned, it will be 1" thick 5" wide and 12" long. Chop them down to size and you'll have a dimensional stable spacer.

Hardware from McMaster, I would trust.

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

Perhaps by the existence of this thread, or material cost factors, the Amazon cutting boards linked are 2x the cost now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773TFF7P may be a better choice HDPE today

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

Perhaps by the existence of this thread, or material cost factors, the Amazon cutting boards linked are 2x the cost now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773TFF7P may be a better choice HDPE today

Finally got to doing this today! I ended up cutting the pieces to 3.25"x3" which had them sitting flush. The bolts from Amazon worked great as well. Most of the clip nuts were loose so be mindful of that when lowering they could rotate and fall inside.

 

[Dlrsavannah]

Do you think you could go another 1/2" higher with the boards instead of just being an 1" altogether?

 

[Beach_Bum]

Do you think you could go another 1/2" higher with the boards instead of just being an 1" altogether?

It will be tight, but might work out. Raising the step higher gives less surface for the foot to step on making actual use of the step precarious. There would be less pinch weld exposed, but of course, you would see the spacer. A full inch in addition to recommended inch spacer would be too much. Doubt the step would fit in that scenario.

 

[Dlrsavannah]

It will be tight, but might work out. Raising the step higher gives less surface for the foot to step on making actual use of the step precarious. There would be less pinch weld exposed, but of course, you would see the spacer. A full inch in addition to recommended inch spacer would be too much. Doubt the step would fit in that scenario.

Definitely would be less space to get your foot in there but I don't need the steps at all. The wifey is the one that uses them otherwise I'd remove them altogether.

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

It will be tight, but might work out. Raising the step higher gives less surface for the foot to step on making actual use of the step precarious. There would be less pinch weld exposed, but of course, you would see the spacer. A full inch in addition to recommended inch spacer would be too much. Doubt the step would fit in that scenario.

Agreed. The front and back of the board are a bit taller too and it’s relatively tight on the ends at 1”.

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