Water ingress with step removal in GX 470

[overl4nd]

I checked the side steps, and it seems that the upper part acts as a seal for water ingress. This is the reason why many people cut their steps instead of removing them. I am wondering, if I trim the steps, can I attach sliders without removing them? I do not want to lose the water proofing ability.
Any tips, pictures and your solution to this problem with sliders.

 

[Arailt]

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.

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

Any chance you could post a few close up pics to show us?

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.

 

[Arailt]

Any chance you could post a few close up pics to show us?

Sure! Anything specific?

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

I guess both one of the holes that you taped and then just what it looks like standing back a few feet

 

[PDXGX]

I was wondering the same thing as I am getting ready to rip out the factory steps. Looks like there is no need to "trim for a seal".

 

[Arailt]

Here's a good shot of the tape covering the holes. I wiped the dirt off the tape so you could see it better. I left the dirt on the paint above so you can see where the weatherstripping creates the seal. Notice the clean paint next to the splashed up dirt/dust (red arrows). In the winter, that was white from road salt salt.

Here is a shot of the weatherstripping on the door (red arrows). Also, notice the plastic trim on the bottom that can be removed with a screw driver. That is the piece that would sit flush against the running boards.

Not a great picture, but here you can see the gap that is now between that bottom trim piece and the rocker, where you can see my tape job. It's a pretty good gap, but like I said before, if you were to fill it with a chopped of portion of the running boards, water would still get behind the cut running board trim, and it would be harder to dry off.

Shot from farther away.

Hope that helps!

 

[PDXGX]

Thanks for the pics! Good for peace of mind.

 

[PDXGX]

Took mine off today, everything went smooth for the most part. I need to trim the end pieces of the running boards now. However, I lost 3/4 of the clips that you use for the trimmed piece. Anyone know the part # of the plastic white clips that hold it in?

 

[Arailt]

Same thing happened to me.

I think 6 & 7 is what you're looking for.

Parts.com® | Lexus GX470 Running Board OEM PARTS

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

Thanks @Arailt for the pics!

 

[GXO]

I haven't had steps or holes covered for almost 9 years on my GX. No issues. I did cover the holes with grip tape last year. Never an issue.

 

[Sleepy]

Too late now, but FYI for others, you can leave the running boards in place and trim them while still on the vehicle. No need to remove clips if keeping some of the plastic.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Did this (cut them on the vehicle) last weekend . A utility knife and a thin drywall saw were invaluable.

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

Hey I'm about to take this project on, would be great to leave the plastic on, can anyone post photos of end result? It's important to me to make any mods look pro so I want to see if you guys were able to make it look solid doing it that way, especially the very front and rear pieces. Thanks!

Did this (cut them on the vehicle) last weekend . A utility knife and a thin drywall saw were invaluable.

 

[little_joe]

Hey I'm about to take this project on, would be great to leave the plastic on, can anyone post photos of end result? It's important to me to make any mods look pro so I want to see if you guys were able to make it look solid doing it that way, especially the very front and rear pieces. Thanks!

After trimming the length of the trim to leave it on, having only the very front part attached (about 6") cleans up the mounting at the base of the flare and imho looks cleaner than the full length piece.I just used clear gorilla tape to seal up the holes in the rocker.

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

Ok thx Joe - I need to see it in person

 

[little_joe]

Ok thx Joe - I need to see it in person

C'mon by next weekend, I'll be wrenching away!

 

[Sleepy]

Here is mine trimmed on the vehicle. The only place you cut are on each end. Middle section pops off.

 

[jthom999]

Here is mine trimmed on the vehicle. The only place you cut are on each end. Middle section pops off.

View attachment 1701444

Sorry, I know it's an old post but do you know of a video or step by step instructions that I could use for reference to do this version of the RB removal. I'm terrified that I'm going to jack something up.