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| I'm considering either side steps or running boards to make it easier for my wife and kids to get into the car. I have seen several pictures on this site of the MDX with running boards. Does anyone have a picture of an MDX with side steps instead (or could suggest a website)? I would love to see what this looks like in comparison to the running boards. Thanks a lot. |
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| Click on the "Sema Show MDX" in the Gallery section and you'll see an MDX with side steps. |
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yeah, but bilmat, you've got to remember that those side steps were PAINTED silver. the side steps that come from the factory are indeed BLACK, like the running boards.
personally, i've seen both, and definitely like the running boards more. however, after seeing the SEMA pictures, i'm considering doing some type of silver/chrome accents on the stock running boards.
however, i digress.... yes, the running boards look like they belong on the MDX rather than the side steps. there's too much open space with the side steps. you can also check out http://www.acura.com, and go to 'build your own'. from there, you can chose any of the accessories, and see them on the vehicle before you buy them. pretty cool....
hope that helps! |
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I would say that it completely depends on what you're looking for...Schwartzeneger(sp) or Brosnan.
The Side Steps (which I've got on my car) I think give the car "muscle". They make the car feel like a rugged SUV. I actually chose them to help my short friends (I've got many of them) get in & out of the car.
Here's a few pics of my car:
http://www.schklar.com/brett/IMAGE001.jpg
http://www.schklar.com/brett/IMAGE002.jpg
http://www.schklar.com/brett/IMAGE007.jpg
Yes, the car's a bit dirty...I admit it, I use the hell out of it!!! The ones that are stock accessories are truly a flat Black. Silver is somewhat custom...I haven't seen them anywhere.
The Running Boards are very "show" oriented. They give the car a little more steamlined look, a look of more classy-ness versus muscle.
I would say that one is not better than the other...it simply provides different accent styles.
As far as the utility of Side Steps v. Running boards, I've found that the Side steps are fairly close to the body and therefore not providing enough of a full step to help people get in and out.
Running boards have felt too flimsy. They're clearly more for the lines than they are for the utility.
Hope this helps!! |
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How about some close side pictures of your side steps? I to am torn between the 2, if I can find side steps like the SEMA show MDX, brushed silver or aluminum, I'll get those for sure.
I'd like to see a good side picture of the steps, if you can that would be great.
Thanks either way.
DBastian |
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| It is a matter of preference. However, the one nice advantage of the running boards (when I had Toyota 4Runner) was that it kept the dirt off of the sides and acted as extended mud flaps. |
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Maybe it's a delusional /illusion...but we have running boards on a van and have hit some low ...er high obstacles with it and scraped the edges of the boards. When/if you bottom out over a road dip or some other unexpected obstacle...curb, etc...you'll actually damage the vehicle because hitting the bottom of the boards, jams it into the panels and can mess up the body…and other 2001 important parts. I'm not using technical terms here…but you can figure it out.
Therefore, I'd be looking at ground clearance with Running boards vs. steps. Frankly...I like the chrome steps...much like the silver painted ones in the Sema show pics. Personally, I think I'm going to investigate chrome. I like the sporty look the steps provide and I'm think'n that mahogany with chrome accents flying down the California freeway...is just awesome. Plus...I'm too old to be conservative. ;)
I'm going to search around the net for some custom side steps and I'll post anything interesting. |
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| I have not measured the ground clearance of an MDX with running boards, but I think I heard that it lowers the ground clearance by about 2". The MDX has 8" of 'stock' clearance. Does anyone have the clearance measurements with running boards? If it does end up still having 6", that would work for me as I don't plan on going off road much...mostly anticipate using it on snowy mountain passes and areas of snow/ice accumulation. |
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jamesc has just posted some nice pix of an SS with running boards parked at Laguna beach, I think I need to go there and take some pictures of mine.
I've been thinking about installing running boards - I've got a 4 year old who has a heck of a time climbing up into the back seat. His booster seat is about even with the top of his head when he's standing outside the car - I was thinking about putting in a rope and some karabiners to help him climb up. Also, with all the salt and sand they use on the roads up here, I'd like a little more protection for the sides - my sense is the side steps are open enough they won't do much of this. Wondering how much gunk the running boards accumulate on top though.
Or maybe I'll just move down to Laguna beach, my MDX started well in the -20s we had for Groundhog Day. |
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I measured the ground clearence on my Base MDX Navi with Side Steps. Here is what I found:
Side Step mounting bracket is 9.0" from the ground on the front and 8.75 in the back.
This is the the lowest part of the side step.
I also found that the rear supension was only 7.5" from the ground on the right and 7.75" on the right side on the car.
Also the front wheel supension strut that goes to the front wheel is only about 7.2" from the ground.
I did not check tire pressure before taking these precise measurements.
Mine does not have a full 8.0" of clearence. Mayeb I better stay out of the Florida Swamp.
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Plus, people are always saying how much I look like Pierce Brosnan (LOL, I love the Internet)
..I don't recall anyone saying I look like Arnold... |
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| ghost - Yeah, you should come to southern cal to shelter from Minnesota's cold weather. Your pictures (MDX on frozen lake) are quite amazing. Quite a contrast from the beach pixs. |
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| Thank you all! I have been amazed with the quick response you guys had with pictures and all. Very helpful. |
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quote:
Originally posted by Steameng8
I measured the ground clearence on my Base MDX Navi with Side Steps. Here is what I found:
Side Step mounting bracket is 9.0" from the ground on the front and 8.75 in the back.
This is the the lowest part of the side step.
I also found that the rear supension was only 7.5" from the ground on the right and 7.75" on the right side on the car.
Also the front wheel supension strut that goes to the front wheel is only about 7.2" from the ground.
I did not check tire pressure before taking these precise measurements.
Mine does not have a full 8.0" of clearence. Mayeb I better stay out of the Florida Swamp.
I spoke to Acura and they said that the side steps or the running boards don't reduce ground clearance at all, they're higher that the lowest point under the vehicle.
Has anyone found out any info on the chrome side steps? What about painting the side steps silver like the SEMA picture? Don't the running boards make it look more like a minivan? I can't decide still, my wife wants me to get the running boards, but the darn SEMA picture keeps making me rethink it.
DBastian |
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| Our VAN has running boards. It gives it that tamed "domestic" look. I'm opting for the bars this time! **hears stampede of boardites** BUT....The boards make it look nice...the bars are just sportier. I have a couple of links that I will post later. But I'm leaning towards getting the Acura Bars painted like the sema and making sure everyone uses the RUBBER pad for a step. duh. Maybe they could even be chrome dipped? Hmmmm. Anyone know and approx $$ for chrome dipping? (Might be nice to maintain the chrome look in the door handles.) |
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| hey, dbastian, was wondering if u can post some pics of your ride. u have the lower trim and the fender flares painted right? i had the same idea....with my (SS Tour/Nav arriving soon). thanx a bunch. |
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quote:
Originally posted by Avirex34
hey, dbastian, was wondering if u can post some pics of your ride. u have the lower trim and the fender flares painted right? i had the same idea....with my (SS Tour/Nav arriving soon). thanx a bunch.
I'll try to take some pictures tonight and post them, it's been dark when I get home and overcast here in Chicago, also no flash on my camera, if not tonight, then this weekend for sure.
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Thanx for taking the time out....to take some pics
greatly appreciated. |
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I have a problem, I can't decide on running boards or side steps. The running boards will probably function better, I have a 5 footer and 2 babies in the house, but damn that SEMA pic, that made me want the side bars, cause they look COOL in the silver, if only I could find them in silver. If I had them painted, would the paint come off if someone stepped on it with dirty shoes? So, should I just get the running boards? don't they make the DMX look more like a mini van? That's what someone said, the pictures don't make it look like a mini van, anyone waiting for the silver side bars? Just when I'm about to call Tim and order the running boards I hang up and look at the SEMA pic...
HELP!
DBastian |
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While they may have used paint, I suspect that they really used a "powder coating" process.
Powder coating is extremelly durable. It is a coating technology that involves a high temperature baking that fuses the material. The costs are not astronomical, and the results usually have some sort of guarantee. The various companies that powder coat automotive items have websites and spell out their rates and the max size of an object their ovens can hold.
This is generally alot more cost effective than the cheaper option of painting and the more expensive process of electroplating.
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Ahhh...get the side steps! They're more positive when stepping on them...no give. Firm. You can get them painted...or not, but they're still cooler. Also, they look like they're higher up for "step" purposes. As formerly posted, I have them on the van...never step on them...tend to step over them. They're nice...but not firm under your foot...Hate the feel of stepping on plastic. I'm 118LBS...no moose. My 230 lb husband wouldn't consider stepping on them.
Look at the posted pics in the Photo Gallery. Plus if you wack the bars on a high obstruction...they won't scar up like plastic steps. Believe me...sooner or later...you're going to rub a high curb or something...our sidesteps are a mess on the bottom. The lowest point of the basic MDX matters not when parking. It's the side height...gutter to sidewalk... you gotta clear.
I'd get them powder coated or chromed. Powdercoating will last longer than the regular auto paint and is probably what is already on the black ones. Look up powdercoating in your Local yellow pages and get a guesstimate on what it would cost. You can get powdercoating in silver...very doable. I've had tons of stuff powdercoated and it isn't that unreasonable. Passengers should have little trouble finding the rubber insert...I don't think the price difference is much and you'll have something that functions well and will look cooler...IMHO :D |
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I just spoke to a company "Eron" in Chicago on Elston, he says it would probably cost about 80 bucks each pole to do. Very inticing. I'll have to think about it.
DBastian |
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DBastian
$80 EA? That's 16 trips through McDonalds...maybe less. Your Powercoating and awesome looking truck will last longer ;) You have to rationalize these things. Women are very good at this. |
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| I decided to go with side steps after looking them over, plus reading all the debates here. My rationale? AFter going over this decision, I found myself staring at every SUV that had either side steps or running boards. I noticed how filthy the running boards were, even when the car appeared clean. So, they look harder to keep clean than side steps. All I want them for is to climb on top of the car and pull a bike off, anyway. |
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I broke down and ordered the Side bars from Tim at Hondacuraworld this morning. I hope I made the right decision. Has anyone had any noise coming from the bars when going through water or anything? I read somewhere that someone had this problem.
I'll install them black, and see how they look, then maybe powder coat them if I don't like the plain black, although my fender flares and lower trim has been painted black, it should still look nice.
It's been raining in Chicago, so as soon as I get some light, I'll be taking some pics.
Thanks for all the info.
DBastian |
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Good choice! **clapping hands** :D
Well...if they make noise in the rain...just roll down your window and say "I'm pinging in the rain...I'm pinging in the rain..." you know the rest. Sorry for the bad joke...I really need my ride.
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Good choice & Tim gave you the best price on the internet !
DMor: Hang in there.......it's only a matter of time. |
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| Are the running boards and side steps useful for loading and unloading items from the roof rack, such as kayaks? If so, is one more usable than the other? My wife is short and uses a step stool with our current (non-MDX) vehicle. We are trying to decide if we should order the MDX with running boards or side steps, or just continue with the step stool method. Thanks. |
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I use my side steps to wash the roof and the glass and visor for the moon roof. Very useful since I am only 5' 7".
I do not use the for getting in and out of the car. |
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quote:
Originally posted by Avirex34
Thanx for taking the time out....to take some pics
greatly appreciated.
I've taken some pictures and they're in the gallery now.
I'll take some better ones later.
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Could folks with side steps on their MDX's and young children (4yrs old or so) comment on potential hazards of the side steps? Could a toddler easily get his/her feet stuck in the space between the step and the car? Just wondering if this is an issue. If it is, then the running board would probably be a better bet for me.
thanks. |
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| Someone will surely state the perils of kidlet "foot snatching" space on side steps vs. running boards, because running boards, are totally enclosed and side steps have gaps. But no matter what you decide, maintain the perspective that most of these kids tackle playground equipment that would greatly humble many of us...and whatever you put on your MDX...will at least be expected. |
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quote:
Originally posted by Danny
Could folks with side steps on their MDX's and young children (4yrs old or so) comment on potential hazards of the side steps? Could a toddler easily get his/her feet stuck in the space between the step and the car? Just wondering if this is an issue. If it is, then the running board would probably be a better bet for me.
thanks.
The side steps don't have much room between them and the car, I'm sure that a kids foot couldn't slip in between the space. It's only a couple inches.
DBastian |
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| But a kid could probably stick his younger brothers foot in that space. |
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quote:
Originally posted by ghost
But a kid could probably stick his younger brothers foot in that space.
My daughter is 2, she can climb up on the step and stand there, but if she's wearing her shoes, they won't fit through there, (without some work) and she's size 5 (in baby sizes). That was what I was worrying about also, but since I have them on, everyting is fine.
D.
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The sidesteps has part of the tube that's not covered with rubber. Is there a danger that someone stepping on those exposed area can slip?
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| Feet are hazardous to your health. Be afraid...be very, very afraid! :D:D |
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| Do the running boards provide any protection from door dings from cars? |
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Don't have my car yet...but have check both RBrds and SSteps out at the Dealer and from what I observed, I don't believe either offers much protection against Door Dings. My salesman started to sell me on this point...but it was pretty obvious that the best 'consistent' protection will be parking at the end of the lot and possibly this:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...hp?threadid=783
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...hp?threadid=797
The lack of a rubstrip is a real Acurian oversite....
Maybe someone else has a better solution. Walking from the back 40 in SoCal is a little different than in Buffalo. :cool: |
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