Chrome or black step bars?
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Chrome or black step bars?
I just ordered a new Lariat 4x4 Screw. Stone color. I didn't order nerf bars because Lariat only comes with running boards (which I greatly dislike the looks of) or chrome step bars. I thought that chrome steps bars would be constantly filthy and hard to keep nice looking, so was thinking of buying some aftermarket black ones.
What have you guys found? What do you think would look good with the stone color? Are chrome step bars hard to keep decent looking? I can probably still add the chrome step bars onto the order if I decide to. Thanks.
What have you guys found? What do you think would look good with the stone color? Are chrome step bars hard to keep decent looking? I can probably still add the chrome step bars onto the order if I decide to. Thanks.
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The Black ones are gettng all scratched up from dirt. Sometning to think about if they will actually be uesed as steps.
I have the Westin Signatures on my Screw and they back step is not located back enough, the kids miss the flat spot with there feet
I have the Westin Signatures on my Screw and they back step is not located back enough, the kids miss the flat spot with there feet
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Holmen, WI
I also have had a hard time selecting steps - I ran across this link but was a little turned off by the price! They look awesome though. It's the Power Step by amp-research (if links arent allowed, do a search on the web)
http://www.amp-research.com/index.asp
http://www.amp-research.com/index.asp
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The bumpers on the Lariat are chrome. It sounds like most of you guys would favor the chrome steps. I didn't think that chrome would be easier to keep relatively clean looking on the bottom of the truck compared to black, but sounds like it is.
If I go with chrome ones, would you recommend getting the factory ones? If Westin or other aftermarket ones don't have the "step" part of the bars correctly located, then I suppose I would be better off with factory.
If I go with chrome ones, would you recommend getting the factory ones? If Westin or other aftermarket ones don't have the "step" part of the bars correctly located, then I suppose I would be better off with factory.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Murphysboro, IL
I have a black 04 f-150 with chrome step bars and I don't find them any harder to keep clean thatn the rest of the vehicle. Regardless of what color you go with they are going to get hit with dirt, with the chrome I have I have not noticed any damage so to speak from any of it and I am on rock roads and dirt alot since hunting season started.
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My dark blue FX4 (comes from the factory with minimal chrome) Scab looks real sharp with black powder coated bars. I added (front only) mud guards to keep the front of the bars from clogging up with so much mud from the front tires. All in all, though, I expect my truck to get dirty when it's being put to good use. It cleans up real nice every few weeks, but I enjoy it so much more when I don't get too worked up about dirt, etc.
Chrome may look better on your truck than mine, but yours is the only opinion that matters. Go to the dealer lots (or online; look at the manufactures pictures of bars on different trucks) and see what's out there; that may help you decide what YOU like for your new truck. Good luck.
Larry
Chrome may look better on your truck than mine, but yours is the only opinion that matters. Go to the dealer lots (or online; look at the manufactures pictures of bars on different trucks) and see what's out there; that may help you decide what YOU like for your new truck. Good luck.
Larry
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Hey SEPPYPOM. Take a closer look at your step bars. I had the same problem and noticed they were on the wrong side (dealer install). The plastic steps on my Westins were not centered and were sitting up too far to be used properly. I switched them around and now they line up perfectly. Let me know how they turn out. JP
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Originally Posted by jperea
Hey SEPPYPOM. Take a closer look at your step bars. I had the same problem and noticed they were on the wrong side (dealer install). The plastic steps on my Westins were not centered and were sitting up too far to be used properly. I switched them around and now they line up perfectly. Let me know how they turn out. JP
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From: San Diego
My BOZE polished aluminum steps get a lot of attention and people stop me in parking lots all the time to find out where I got them. Most walk away once they hear the price, but they get more attention than my 18 inch American Eagle 178 in chrome. Boze cuts them out of solid blocks of aluminum, top quality.
Check out my gallery for some pictures.
Check out my gallery for some pictures.
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I have the factory black tubular bars (not the step board) and was pleasantly surprised by it when I first got it. I got the truck from a dealer trade sight unseen since I wanted white XLT Screw with tan interior and none were available in my area.
In general I like the look of polished aluminum as it is dressier than black. However, there is a lot of black pieces on my truck (the grill, bed rails, line-x, window mouldings, mirrors, door handles etc) that compliment the black step bars. If you plan on adding aftermarket stuff like fancy polished wheels, billet grille and the like, go with the chrome bars. If not, you may want to stick with the black finish for continuity sake. In any event, I am sure neither will look bad.
Oh, and my black board got FILTHY this weekend after letting my buddies take my truck out for a ride. When they aren't clean, they also look junky, so they won't hide the muck either!
T
In general I like the look of polished aluminum as it is dressier than black. However, there is a lot of black pieces on my truck (the grill, bed rails, line-x, window mouldings, mirrors, door handles etc) that compliment the black step bars. If you plan on adding aftermarket stuff like fancy polished wheels, billet grille and the like, go with the chrome bars. If not, you may want to stick with the black finish for continuity sake. In any event, I am sure neither will look bad.
Oh, and my black board got FILTHY this weekend after letting my buddies take my truck out for a ride. When they aren't clean, they also look junky, so they won't hide the muck either!
T
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I noticed in the F150 accessory booklet that there are both 4" and 5" steps. Are these the same ones that can be factory optioned on the truck, or are they different? Are the 4" ones the factory option?
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Originally Posted by jperea
Hey SEPPYPOM. Take a closer look at your step bars. I had the same problem and noticed they were on the wrong side (dealer install). The plastic steps on my Westins were not centered and were sitting up too far to be used properly. I switched them around and now they line up perfectly. Let me know how they turn out. JP
The Front step seems like it is in the middle, but the read step, is to close to the center door jam then I think it should be.