QX4 running board delete kit gauging interests

[chicoson]

as we all know the QX4s are notorious for rotted out framing on our running boards. I would like to see how big of a demand there would be for a delete kit that consists of 2 fiberglass caps to fill the void left by removing the boards. I figured since im a pretty good autobody tech and have made custom parts before i was going to attempt to make a mold to produce some moldings (kind of like a side skirt). i will be removing my boards in the next few weeks and once the weather here in Michigan warms up ill be in the garage playing with foam tin foil and fiberglass lol. now naturaly i will post pics when i do this. for the most part i am curious what you guys think of these old man boards and if there would be a demand for something like this if i can produce these for sale. IDK what the price would be but they would all be hand made by me with hardware included and instructions. this is going to take a bit or R&D so it may take a while.

please let me know if you guys think there would be a good demand for these. i know im making some for myself either way.

[donald]

Qx4 running boards rot out?! aww man, didn't really want to hear that truth

Personally, I like running boards, especially on larger vehicles. It makes it a bit easier to step into the truck or do some light wrangling with loads atop the roof rack.

If and when my running boards wear down, I guess I will look for a more durable replacement, like the Pathfinder's style step bars.

[chicoson]

yes they rust out bad under the plastic cover. if yours are not rotted out crawl under there and undercoat the framing or better yet brush some POR15 or chassis saver paint on them. im going to have mine reinforced just incase the delete kit doesnt work out so great. just something i was wanting to try and make. the QX4s running boards dont look too bad since the cladding and flares flow with it and are part of the boards. looks like your in cali so i doubt you will ever have that problem tho lol. must be nice. here in michigan we have horrible rust out issues so naturaly these rust out quickly. i just noticed alot of canada guys on here so im sure they know about the rotting framing on our boards in winter conditions.

[ironload]

hi chicoson, how is the running board delete kit coming along? id like to see some pics if you have any

[chicoson]

havent got around to it yet. it just started to warm up here in michigan so now i can go out and pull the boards off. trust me i will post pics when i get it going. im busy trying to get my 240 back up for this drift season too so that takes priority 1st lol. ill try to post up some progress in the next few weeks. i was looking at them the other day and it looks like it is going to be tricky. once i get the initial set made i can make a makeshift mold and hammer them out. im thinking they will be pretty cool. i dont know if i should make them flair out or what. im going to make a dummy pair our of foam board and cut it and shave it to get my shape and go from there. sounds ghetto but i have it planned out in my head. i think i will have good results when done. im curious on what i should charge for a set if they turn out good.

[JPK Omaha]

I attempted to weld in a new square tube under the running boards, but since my welding skills are zilch I failed with that project. Do not attempt unless you have some welding experience. Also, I want to try and find a way to salvage the bottom of the fender flare and mud flap, but that project will have to wait a couple weeks. So, now I need to find some side steps or nerf bars. Has anyone found some that look OK on the Qx4? Any photos? I am ready to order side steps but need some recommendations!

[CanuckQx4]

Good Idea.

Wont be a money maker though