| bigpecs1 |
| are these easy to install? Im thinking of getting them and installing them myself if its an easy DIY. I love the "naked" look of my MDX but my wife is pregnant and we just both realized that's it's getting harder and harder for her to get in and out. oh, and where can I buy them aside from the dealership? Thanks guys!:) |
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| eujinc |
The dealership is the last place you want to get these from.
Get them online (check out Hondacuraworld). They are a straight bolt-on.
Congrats, btw. Is it a boy or girl? |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by eujinc
The dealership is the last place you want to get these from.
Get them online (check out Hondacuraworld). They are a straight bolt-on.
Congrats, btw. Is it a boy or girl?
we don't know yet. she's still 10 weeks pregnant. We'll find out probably by January or February. hey thanks for asking about the baby. we've been trying and praying for this one for about 2 years and now that she's pregnant, were very happy and excited! And the by-product of that excitement is the new MDX in our garage! hehehe!
now if I can only install the running boards so that she wont have a hard time getting in and out... |
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| craniotes |
I have the side steps, and to be perfectly honest, they don't help at all in terms of getting in or out of the X -- if anything, they make it harder. I had them installed in anticipation of little legs and feet (my son just celebrated his 1st birthday), and also for my nieces (ages 6 and 8).
If you're hellbent on going this route, my suggestion would be to go for the "standard" running boards. They stick out further than the sport running boards, so they may be better suited to helping your wife with ingress/egress.
Regards,
Adam
PS - Congratulations! :) |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
I have the side steps, and to be perfectly honest, they don't help at all in terms of getting in or out of the X -- if anything, they make it harder. I had them installed in anticipation of little legs and feet (my son just celebrated his 1st birthday), and also for my nieces (ages 6 and 8).
If you're hellbent on going this route, my suggestion would be to go for the "standard" running boards. They stick out further than the sport running boards, so they may be better suited to helping your wife with ingress/egress.
Regards,
Adam
PS - Congratulations! :)
Thanks Adam! does anybody have pics of their ride with the running boards? |
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| eujinc |
The black running boards is the most practical. Wide and good traction. They were my second choice (first was the sport running board - but they were much narrower and a little too slippery). When I first got my boards, one of them was severely scuffed, so I returned them and got the chrome side steps instead (really more for aesthetics as they match the chrome door handles).
My side steps are pretty much used all the time by my son, wife and elderly relatives (they didn't stop reminding me how high the X was until I had the steps installed). They also come in handy when I put stuff on the roof. |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by eujinc
The black running boards is the most practical. Wide and good traction. They were my second choice (first was the sport running board - but they were much narrower and a little too slippery). When I first got my boards, one of them was severely scuffed, so I returned them and got the chrome side steps instead (really more for aesthetics as they match the chrome door handles).
My side steps are pretty much used all the time by my son, wife and elderly relatives (they didn't stop reminding me how high the X was until I had the steps installed). They also come in handy when I put stuff on the roof.
Can u post a pic of your ride with the side steps? thanks |
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| bigpecs1 |
| by the way, do I need to drill holes to install the side steps/running boards? |
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| craniotes |
Not the best shot, but you can see that they tuck in relatively close to the body. Eujinc definitely has better shots of 'em than I do (check out his gallery).
Regards,
Adam |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
Not the best shot, but you can see that they tuck in relatively close to the body. Eujinc definitely has better shots of 'em than I do (check out his gallery).
Regards,
Adam
Thats beautiful! Im really thinking of getting the side steps instead of the standard running boards. I think the side steps would compliment the look of the MDX more than the standard running boards. Do I have to drill holes to install them? |
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| craniotes |
I had them installed at the dealer, so I'm not sure how they attach, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't a "bolt 'n go" set up.
As for the steps themselves, they're at least as practical as the Sport running boards, which I strongly considered. And while I felt that the sport boards were better integrated into the overall design of the X, the sides steps added a rugged element that I felt the X was lacking. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so you've gotta go with what looks good to you.
Regards,
Adam
PS - Yeah, the standard boards did nothing for me, but in terms of function over form, they're tops. |
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| eujinc |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
Not the best shot, but you can see that they tuck in relatively close to the body. Eujinc definitely has better shots of 'em than I do (check out his gallery).
Wow, I never really looked at the profile of a silver X but it looks really sharp with the dark windows and bits of chrome. No roof rack yet? How are you going to lug the x'mas trees? ;) |
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| eujinc |
quote: Originally posted by bigpecs1
Thats beautiful! Im really thinking of getting the side steps instead of the standard running boards. I think the side steps would compliment the look of the MDX more than the standard running boards. Do I have to drill holes to install them?
Go here for the installation instructions:
Running Boards
Sport Running Boards
Chrome Side Steps
Installation of the sport running boards is the most involved among the 3. Side steps are the easiest to put on. None of these require any drilling. Just some socket wrenches and you should be good to go.
Tip: Someone had mentioned in an earlier thread about using some Loctites on the bolts when you tighten them. I didn't but you could if you wanted to. |
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| craniotes |
quote: Originally posted by eujinc
Wow, I never really looked at the profile of a silver X but it looks really sharp with the dark windows and bits of chrome. No roof rack yet? How are you going to lug the x'mas trees? ;)
You don't miss a thing, do you? Well, because you brought it up, I'm pleased to let you know that the rails are going up on Wednesday.
The tree follows suit on Saturday...
Regards,
Adam |
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| hpowders |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
I have the side steps, and to be perfectly honest, they don't help at all in terms of getting in or out of the X -- if anything, they make it harder. I had them installed in anticipation of little legs and feet (my son just celebrated his 1st birthday), and also for my nieces (ages 6 and 8).
If you're hellbent on going this route, my suggestion would be to go for the "standard" running boards. They stick out further than the sport running boards, so they may be better suited to helping your wife with ingress/egress.
Regards,
Adam
PS - Congratulations! :)
I just checked out an MDX at the dealer and I have to agree. He had the sport running board and all it did was get in the way-the step is too small for me to step on. I would order without it. |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
I had them installed at the dealer, so I'm not sure how they attach, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't a "bolt 'n go" set up.
As for the steps themselves, they're at least as practical as the Sport running boards, which I strongly considered. And while I felt that the sport boards were better integrated into the overall design of the X, the sides steps added a rugged element that I felt the X was lacking. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so you've gotta go with what looks good to you.
Regards,
Adam
PS - Yeah, the standard boards did nothing for me, but in terms of function over form, they're tops.
If you had them installed at the dealer, did you purchase them from the same dealership? How much did they charge for installation? |
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| craniotes |
To be perfectly honest, I don't recall what the exact price was since all of my accessories sort of got lumped together and knocked down in price as part of my overall deal (steps, side moldings, tow hitch, day/night mirror, all weather mats...). I think the standard going rate is about $700 plus installation. As such, if you're at all handy with a wrench, it seems like a good idea to order them from Tim and put 'em on yourself. Me, I'm a lazy git, and all thumbs with tools (case in point: my wife is the one who owns a power drill, tool box, and chainsaw), which is why I usually go the dealer route, even though I know I'm getting shafted.
Regards,
Adam |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by craniotes
To be perfectly honest, I don't recall what the exact price was since all of my accessories sort of got lumped together and knocked down in price as part of my overall deal (steps, side moldings, tow hitch, day/night mirror, all weather mats...). I think the standard going rate is about $700 plus installation. As such, if you're at all handy with a wrench, it seems like a good idea to order them from Tim and put 'em on yourself. Me, I'm a lazy git, and all thumbs with tools (case in point: my wife is the one who owns a power drill, tool box, and chainsaw), which is why I usually go the dealer route, even though I know I'm getting shafted.
Regards,
Adam
Im with you. I have never been a handy man! I dont know if the dealership will agree that I'll buy the steps from hondacuraworld and just have them install it. |
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| rsgacura |
With wife being Pregnant and for her easy in and out, SRBs are not good. They get on the way afterall instead of helping. But once you have kids, they work good for them! SRBs are more for looks and keep the dirt off the body side better.
Good luck with your side steps. And congratulations on current arrival (new X) and upcoming baby!!! |
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| ronf119 |
| i purchased the chrome side steps for my wife as she said it was the easiest to use out of 3 when she was trying to get into the mdx. She is 7 months pregnant. Attached are images of our new mdx first time in the snow and first time actually really driving it. I ended up putting about 75miles that day and now it's all covered in salt =( |
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| craniotes |
quote: Originally posted by ronf119
i purchased the chrome side steps for my wife as she said it was the easiest to use out of 3 when she was trying to get into the mdx. She is 7 months pregnant.
Well, bigpecs, you can't get a better endorsement than that...
Regards,
Adam
PS - Great shots, ronf119! Congrats on your X. |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by ronf119
rear view of mdx
thanks for the replies guys! Im really thinking now of just getting the side steps. Nice pics ronf119. btw, is that nimbus or sterling gray? |
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| ronf119 |
thanks craniotes and bigpecs1. i took some quick pics before my wife and I really took it out in the snow. After I clean it up, I'm going to take some more pictures
nimbus with taupe leather. i inititally was going to get ebony interior but my wife really like the combination of nimbus grey with the taupe. So I guess I'll be doing a lot more leather cleaning and conditioning especially once we have the kid :( |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by ronf119
thanks craniotes and bigpecs1. i took some quick pics before my wife and I really took it out in the snow. After I clean it up, I'm going to take some more pictures
nimbus with taupe leather. i inititally was going to get ebony interior but my wife really like the combination of nimbus grey with the taupe. So I guess I'll be doing a lot more leather cleaning and conditioning especially once we have the kid :(
Does your wife find it easier to use the side steps? my wife is 5'2" tall and is starting to gain weight due to the pregnancy, thus making it more difficult for her to get in & out. |
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| ronf119 |
| my wife is 5'-0"-5'1" and from what i've seen, she uses it to get in and out. Before the side steps, she had to "hop" in and pull herself up. I can ask her what she feels about it and report back |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by ronf119
my wife is 5'-0"-5'1" and from what i've seen, she uses it to get in and out. Before the side steps, she had to "hop" in and pull herself up. I can ask her what she feels about it and report back
That's exactly how my wife does it! And she's just 10 weeks pregnant! I cant imagine her doing it without steps at 6-9months! I need to get me a pair of those side steps ASAP! I hope it's an easy install cos Im not a handy man! Im afraid that I might not install it properly and it will fall off once stepped on! :mad: |
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| cybulman |
Please tell your wives when pregnant, that the best way is to grab the pull in handle strap, then to slide the posterior on on the seat, then just to slide legs in to cabin.
This will put the least amount of stress on the legs and abdomen muscles....and reduce chances fo slip or fall.
Cy |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by cybulman
Please tell your wives when pregnant, that the best way is to grab the pull in handle strap, then to slide the posterior on on the seat, then just to slide legs in to cabin.
This will put the least amount of stress on the legs and abdomen muscles....and reduce chances fo slip or fall.
Cy
Will the handle be able to withstand the weight though without breaking?:confused: |
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| ronf119 |
That is how my wife does get in the car. The problem she had was she wasn't tall enough to reach the seat to slide in that way
quote: Originally posted by cybulman
Please tell your wives when pregnant, that the best way is to grab the pull in handle strap, then to slide the posterior on on the seat, then just to slide legs in to cabin.
This will put the least amount of stress on the legs and abdomen muscles....and reduce chances fo slip or fall.
Cy
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| bigpecs1 |
| if my wife uses the handle bar at the passenger side for climbing up the vehicle, will it hold with breaking? |
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| theOldMan |
I purchased the Sports running boards from HondaAccura world. The cost was $700 less than what my local dealer wanted.
I installed them myself over the weekend. The installation was not difficult, but it did take over 4 hours. There are a couple places where you need special tools that required a trip to the local HomeDepot.
The look of the MDX is so much better with the running boards. The car (Dark Cherry Pearl) looked unfinished. The SRB finishes off the look of the SUV.
My 5 year old loves them. It allows the little guy to climb in without help. Beside the look, I like them because it allows me to access the roof rack.
The downside is that everytime you exit the car, your leg will brush the SRB and your pants will get dirty. This is especially true in a Canadian winter where salt is everywhere.
All in all, the SRB are a great addition to a great truck. |
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| kingmdx |
Curiosity question:
Anyone have the chrome side steps..not the sport running boards on an Aspen White Pearl ...if you do could you please post a pic or direct me to where the pic is at ..... thanks !!! trying to decide which to get. |
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| cybulman |
My family also has 5ft tall females.
That handle should bear up to at least 200 lbs PLUS weight if Honda didi its engineering right for the US market.
Those things may look flimsy on most cars but they are solid!
I am 6/1 and 200 lbs and have never had one break on me.
Cy |
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| bigpecs1 |
quote: Originally posted by cybulman
My family also has 5ft tall females.
That handle should bear up to at least 200 lbs PLUS weight if Honda didi its engineering right for the US market.
Those things may look flimsy on most cars but they are solid!
I am 6/1 and 200 lbs and have never had one break on me.
Cy
thanks! I just dont want it breaking while my wife is trying to climb up on the seat, causing her to fall! :eek: |
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| WCD |
quote: Originally posted by theOldMan
I purchased the Sports running boards from HondaAccura world. The cost was $700 less than what my local dealer wanted.
I installed them myself over the weekend. The installation was not difficult, but it did take over 4 hours. There are a couple places where you need special tools that required a trip to the local HomeDepot.
The look of the MDX is so much better with the running boards. The car (Dark Cherry Pearl) looked unfinished. The SRB finishes off the look of the SUV.
My 5 year old loves them. It allows the little guy to climb in without help. Beside the look, I like them because it allows me to access the roof rack.
The downside is that everytime you exit the car, your leg will brush the SRB and your pants will get dirty. This is especially true in a Canadian winter where salt is everywhere.
All in all, the SRB are a great addition to a great truck.
Can you elaborate on the special tools required to intstall the SRB's? |
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| lausy |
| The only special tool required is a universal knukle for your socket. |
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| spiders808 |
The instructions for installing the sports running board calls for a torque wrench. The only time it is called for, is at the end when you are tightening the flange bolts. It says to 27 N-m (20 lb-ft). How tight is that, if you don't have the tool?
I want to install these, plus the front/back garnish, as well as the body side moldings and door edge guard on my new mdx. The other accessories don't require the torque wrench, so don't want to buy one for just the one-time use. |
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| eujinc |
How much torque is 20 lb-ft? Not a whole lot. It's twice the torque you would apply to an oil filter, a little more than the torque needed for spark plugs and less than a quarter needed to tighten the lug nuts.
I would tighten it as much as you can with one hand but not to the point of having to break the bolt or a blood vessel.
Better yet, if you plan on doing any simple maintenance yourself, a torque wrench is a good investment. This is one of my most used tools in my garage. |
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| spiders808 |
| Thanks, the last tip helped. I am as mechanical as a rock, so the references to the oil filter, spark plugs, etc. went over my head! I will just tighten them tight without cranking into 'em. |
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