Water ingress with step removal in GX 470

[Bralow]

@jthom999 better late than never: Not mine, but I found this video on the GXOR FB group.

Best step-by-step guide I have found for removing the running boards without taking off the body trim and all the plastic snaps:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LexusGXOR/permalink/1178680075596437/

 

[scmcna]

The water seal is separate. I've had mine off without sliders all winter and not a drop of water made it into the cabin. Salt did make it further into the door jam than it normally would have, but nothing terrible.

The door definitely fits flush against the running board trim, but it doesn't make an actual seal. To me, it seemed that cutting the running board from the upper trim piece and leaving that trim piece intact would make it very easy for water to work its way under/behind the trim and into the tab holes, where it wouldn't dry and cause rust.

I ended up removing the entire assembly and I covered the tab holes with heavy duty vinyl tape to prevent water from getting into the rocker. Other than having to clean the door jam more frequently, it's held up well. I might run some universal weather stripping along the bottom of the doors in an effort to keep some of the debris out, but I won't be reattaching the upper running board trim.

I did the same with tape over holes. Added Prado front splash guards for even more protection from salt and snow. See my picture post today page 166 under “what did Udo to your 120 today?”

 

[scmcna]

@jthom999 better late than never: Not mine, but I found this video on the GXOR FB group.

Best step-by-step guide I have found for removing the running boards without taking off the body trim and all the plastic snaps:

Found the OEM Lexus “like gold” skirt tabs from mail order in Germany on EBAY pkg #20 for $10! Unpainted black if silicone used on holes water resistant!

 

[BukkakeAisu]

I did the same with tape over holes. Added Prado front splash guards for even more protection from salt and snow. See my picture post today page 166 under “what did Udo to your 120 today?”

The Prado front splash guards look made for this!


I didn't want to start a new thread for this but thought this info was worth posting for general knowledge.....

So I've been essentially converting my Prado to a GX. Already did the interior bits, and now have a GX hood, fenders, fender flares, and running boards. The door panels on the Prado are missing the line that the GX has but essentially looked the same so I didn't bother with them....but now after comparing everything I have, there is another major difference.

The GX door panels are essentially 1-2in taller than the Prado door panels. To fill in the gap on the Prado, there is an additional piece on top of the running boards which I highlighted in green. (not my prado, just an image I found for reference)

It's a bit hard to see but I can try and retain the piece in combination with the GX running boards....

...or fork over more $$$$ for the GX door panels and ditch the additional prado trim (just when I thought I had everything!!) Leaning to keeping the Prado piece in but I need to actually see how it all attaches to make sure it's as possible as it seems.

 

[BukkakeAisu]

.....it isn't going to work so GX door panels are ordered.

I did the same with tape over holes. Added Prado front splash guards for even more protection from salt and snow. See my picture post today page 166 under “what did Udo to your 120 today?”

For reference: What Did You Do With Your 120 Today? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-did-you-do-with-your-120-today.916458/page-166

I'll bring my Prado front splash guards to the US next time I can travel (to avoid international shipping....which isn't possible now out of Japan via the postal service) in case someone else can use them. No charge, just pay it forward.