I've currently got my 2010 f150 power running boards torn apart.
They worked previously, but only with "help". So I bought a set of replacement bearings for the hinges on eBay and got to work. After a few hours of heating and hammering, I've decided that replacing the bearings just ain't gonna happen. I found out that the $40 kit I bought was only good for one side GRRRRR, and I was about 5 hours of labor into 1 of the 4 hinges and all of the bearings needed modification before reassembly. I screwed one new up installing it, and decided that all those things together and I wasn't going to worry about power running boards on my truck.
But then looking at the hinges I had an idea. What about building a simple bracket to put the running board in a fixed position? Then I can still use most of the Ford stuff including the running board itself.
Here's my wood mockup vs the factory hinge in full down position.
Can't really just leave the running boards in the down position, they are too far down and out. But if you redo the brackets, you can put the boards wherever you like.
Up to this point, all is normal. But then I tried to search the net to see if anyone already had this idea and sold these brackets? I'd be willing to pay $80 at least for a set of brackets (because thats the same as the bearings only cheapest fix cost) like this, and I'm a cheap bastard. I bet it's only like $10 of metal or so, and the brackets are super simple. Has anyone seen something like this advertised before?
I can't be the first one, right?
The mounts for fixed boards are on the truck from the factory. Easy solution is just buy a fixed set. Not the cheapest solution though.
I also decided to buy a set of used OEM fixed running boards from a local salvage yard. About 30 minutes a side to install and my wife was happy. 2010 Expedition and there was a long list of stuff I fixed on that thing. 5.4L 3 valve motor. I have stories.
I clicked because I thought it would be a video of a truck blowing up.
Yeah I know factory brackets exist ($35-$50 each or so from Ford, and you need 4, and I'm not sure they would actually even bolt up to my boards), and I know I can get some takeoffs from another truck.
I dunno. Just seems like some cheap plates with 4 holes in the right locations would allow me to use all my existing stuff without having to replace everything else.
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
The factory brackets for fixed boards will not mount to your boards, as fixed takes 3, yours have 2. You need the entire factory board.
This looks like a problem for aluminum extrusions.
Just get a mold made with 4 holes in the right shape that fit self threading screws from both sides. The first set will cost you $1200-1500 but the other 40 sets will probably be Free.
Aso might be worth trying e-machine shops or cutsendcut to see how much it costs for laser cut plates.
Made some more progress last night. Learned that if you're not trying to save the pins, you can disassemble the hinges with a sawzall and it only takes a couple minutes instead of hours!
Here's what the running board looked like in my initial placement test bracket.
Yeah, they're a little high and close to the truck. I decided to make a mark2 test bracket that should hopefully put the boards 2 inches outboard and 3 inches down of this mark1 location.
Here's the beginnings of the mark2 brackets (white).
Mr_Asa
PowerDork
12/30/21 10:54 a.m.
nocones said:
Aso might be worth trying e-machine shops or cutsendcut to see how much it costs for laser cut plates.
SCS is my new favorite toy shop. This definitely sounds like a job for them.
If you don't have CAD, send me the measurements and I'll put something together for you.
Mr_Asa said:
nocones said:
Aso might be worth trying e-machine shops or cutsendcut to see how much it costs for laser cut plates.
SCS is my new favorite toy shop. This definitely sounds like a job for them.
If you don't have CAD, send me the measurements and I'll put something together for you.
Thank you!
I happen to know a guy with a laser cutter in his basement, so I'm going to ask him first. I also happen to have a large plate of 3/8 aluminum that I could cut some myself, but paying for the laser is probably worth the few hours of time it would take me to cut and drill all 8 brackets with 32 holes. That aluminum sucks to work.
V2. Might be a little too far down now. I think I'll go one inch up and call it good.
My wife has spent too long in close proximity to 1) trucks and 2) old cars. Every time she sees an ad showing off the motorized running boards or a motorized tailgate, she goes off on how they're inevitably going to break and what a goofy idea it is.
You may have developed a sellable product :)
In reply to Keith Tanner :
The steps are really nice when they work. But there really isn't a good option that's not 4 figures once they stop working. After I transfer these mockup plates to real metal I can see how they actually work and if they might be sellable.
V3. I think I'm happy with placement now.
They do look like they tip in toward the truck a hair so I will make sure to level them out.
that invisible man pic berkeleyed me up for a second
Got some brackets cut and finally installed them. Gotta say, so far I love it!
They look a bit rube Goldberg, but painted black you hardly see them under there.
