I have a 2016 F150 with the chrome angular step bar running boards shown here,


I have about 10 of the black plastic pads that are loose. It appears some of the clips the hold them in place have broken. I have seen prices for these parts between $12 - $20 each. Seems crazy high. Are there any cheaper alternatives?

 

Why not look on CL to see if you can find a set of take off boards?

 

Sort of what I was thinking. It sure would be a shame to to that just for a few pieces of plastic. Does anyone have experience on taking these black pads off? Maybe I can fix them

 

If they are coming off and you still have them try using E6800 it is a really great adhesive. There is 2 types E6000 does not have UV protection and E6800 does. You can get it at Lowes, Goggle, Ebay etc. I haven't found anything the stuff doesn't stick to. It was originally developed to use on the space shuttle tiles but couldn't take the heat.
TJ

 

Nice thought. I will check it out. Thanks.

 

When looking at how these failed it looks like I have a habit of stepping up on to the running board and twisting my shoe on the tread caps as I slide in to the seat. I did not even know the tread caps were breaking until I looked down and saw scratches on the chrome next to the tread caps. See pic below.


Note scratches in chrome next to black tread cap.

Here is pic of a new tread cap. The locking tabs are what breaks off.



These tabs hold the tread caps in place. On or more snap off causing the cap to slide back and forth on top of the chrome.

These black tread caps are different part numbers on passenger vs. driver side; Paseenger PN FL3Z16490DA, Driver PN FL3Z16490DA. Prices for these range from $13 - $20 each. If I replaced all of them I would need 10. I decided to take them out to see if I could some how repair some of them.

As I pulled them off the running board I could see that some had at least on tab totally gone. Most had 1 tab that had broken at the base, but still there. I had nothing to lose, so I thought I would attempt a repair. The best I had was a hot melt glue gun.



I started by gluing the tab back in to the correct position. Then I poured the hot melt behind the tab to make it rigid as I could. Admittedly the repair is UGLY, but I figured it did not matter as it is hidden inside the running board. The repaired pieces clipped back in place perfectly.

Note- Check out the second photo of a new piece vs the third photo of my actual piece. Note mine has no reinforcement block between the top tabs like is shown in the new one. Ford must have recognized the weakness and made the change.

I still have the issue of the scratched chrome. I will try chrome polish, but I may still have to buy a whole take off set on Craigslist.

 

Thanks for posting this! Saw the tread and checked mine, sure enough some are loose.

I'm going to try what you did. How did you pop them off with out breaking any tabs? Thanks in advance

 

I used a thin bladed putty knife. Just worked it under the tread cap and gently pry up. They came out easier than I expected. As far as the repair, I used hot melt glue and it has worked. But, I am not sure how it will hold up under the pressure of foot traffic on and off the running board.

I noticed the tread caps in areas that never get stepped on (i.e. up near door hinges etc) were in perfect shape. I pulled those out and put them in the high traffic areas and put the repaired ones near the hinges. This way if my repairs were not strong enough it would not matter.

Something else- I really wished I could have used plastic welding to repair this. I think it would make a stronger repair. I just don't have a soldering iron and material to do that.

 

It's worth a try and I love DIY stuff. I have a hot glue gun also and thats it. Maybe when I get time, I'll try what you did! Until then, I'll be checking for updates on yours

 

Wow. Your boards are different than mine. Mine have a large one piece black plastic/rubber area. No offense to you but, Ford really got cheesy on the board design apparently after 2015. I'll post a picture shortly.

Here's what my boards look like. If it were me, I'd look on CL and find a set of take offs like the 2015 had. The spots are from the tire dressing that got flung off.

 

They are interesting. Is the tread you show there all one piece? I could not find the OEM part number for your tread. I would consider switching to that if it would fit my existing boards.

I did have to buy 2 new pieces. As I guessed they beefed up the part that was breaking. As I look at it though, I don't think it will fix the breakage. I think I will beef up the back side of the tabs before installing.

 

Yes, the tread is all piece on each board. Ford obviously made some changes. You might get lucky and find a set of take offs on CL.