T-Sportline Side Step Installed

[SONNYDUT]

Hey All,
Installed my side step today and it is easy as T-Sportline described. It takes me about 1hr to install both side. I pre-ordered mine when they unveiled it. All I need was just side steps, and this is exactly what I want, comparing to most out there. For the price, $700 plus tax, cheapest I could find. Made from powder coated matte black carbon steel, 1/8” thick. Overall, I would recommend this.

The minus is the bolts and washers are zinc coated, not stainless steel. I could replace them with stainless hardware later down the line if they rusted. The gap size at both ends are large enough for small animals to hide in side. I will 3d print the caps to avoid future issues.

I used undercoat paint to add protection. See pictures

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[SlegMD]

Nice crocks!

Nice idea with the undercoat

 

[Cybergskr]

Any 3d print design files to cover the front and rear gaps and blend with the fenders and mud flaps?

 

[SONNYDUT]

Any 3d print design files to cover the front and rear gaps and blend with the fenders and mud flaps?

Not yet, I am working on it.

 

[sefar]

If they protected those stupid plastic rocker ends I would buy in an instant. I down 2 since June.

 

[Vesder21]

"The minus is the bolts and washers are zinc coated, not stainless steel."

Lame. I don't understand why these accessories companies do this. They all make great products and then cheap out on the hardware. I had issues with the bolts for a rack that I purchase from another accessories company. They should all just go with stainless to cover all locations of owners.

I also pre-ordered and live in Ohio so am sure these will seize with the salt and snow.

 

[Vesder21]

I used undercoat paint to add protection. See pictures

Did you install first and then spray or spray and then install? The head of the screws look "filled" so it looks like it's going to be a PIA to get those things off if you ever need to unscrew.

Do you happen to to know the size of of the hardware? I'm thinking about ordering now so that I have them in time for when I install. Thanks in advance!

 

[SONNYDUT]

"The minus is the bolts and washers are zinc coated, not stainless steel."

Lame. I don't understand why these accessories companies do this. They all make great products and then cheap out on the hardware. I had issues with the bolts for a rack that I purchase from another accessories company. They should all just go with stainless to cover all locations of owners.

I also pre-ordered and live in Ohio so am sure these will seize with the salt and snow.

I agree, I would pay the added cost for stainless steel hardware.

 

[SONNYDUT]

Did you install first and then spray or spray and then install? The head of the screws look "filled" so it looks like it's going to be a PIA to get those things off if you ever need to unscrew.

Do you happen to to know the size of of the hardware? I'm thinking about ordering now so that I have them in time for when I install. Thanks in advance!

It's simple actually, I traced the largest washer included using the shipping box. just cut the offset 6" all around, and use an hobby blade to cut the hole. See the picture i posted. I spray undercoat after I installed the hardware. It's not that bad to pick the undercoat off if I want to replace the hardware in the future. It seals better this way. You could carefully pre-coat all the hardware if you preferred.

 

[SONNYDUT]

If they protected those stupid plastic rocker ends I would buy in an instant. I down 2 since June.

It would looks better too with the end covers are there. It's an eye sore every time I glanced at it. I can live with it until I design and 3d print to cover the void.

 

[CyberNickOH]

@T Sportline any chance you might mod this design for the concerns called out? You know I'm in the market once the bumpers come.

 

[LisaLisa]

It's

Love that you posted about these side steps. I’m Waiting on mine to arrive and appreciate the input you provided. I’ll gladly buy a set of end caps if you are willing to print them. If that is too much of a headache then making The files available would be a blessing and much appreciated!

 

[T Sportline]

hey gang - thanks for sharing!

The bolts are a proper automotive zinc coated bolt spec - keep in mind, the stock Tesla bolts all over the truck suspension are coated carbon steel as well, not 'stainless steel' bolts. Stainless bolts are not as strong or durable, btw - so we (and OEM's) tend not to spec stainless in load bearing situations.

As for the end caps, first -- unless you're right up on top of things looking for it, this doesn't typically catch the eye. If we get super close to the trim, we risk parts rubbing. There is not room for 'nesting' animals, ha ha. It's enough room to let water rinse through. For those that prefer a different aesthetic, we also have side steps.

Thx

 

[SONNYDUT]

Love that you posted about these side steps. I’m Waiting on mine to arrive and appreciate the input you provided. I’ll gladly buy a set of end caps if you are willing to print them. If that is too much of a headache then making The files available would be a blessing and much appreciated!

I will keep you posted, once I completed the prototype and ready to print a good fit end caps, then I will post again. It may take sometime due to busy working and the holidays around the corner.

 

[Cybergskr]

@T Sportline, @SONNYDUT, How much weight do they take? Do they flex to touch and put weight on the plastic side trim when stepped on? If they do, is the plastic trim rated for the load? Also, if a small stone/dirt is stuck between the metal step and the plastic trim, does stepping on it damage the plastic trim underneath?

@SONNYDUT, have you considered of any anti slip tape for the tread?

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