Need sourcing advice for new truck protective items

[DeppvomDienst]

Hi-

 

I took the plunge and bought a leftover but still new 2013 stripped Chevy work truck. Long story, but I am trying to baby this one and keep it for the long haul. So, I am driving my beater S-10 until the weather breaks.

 

Unless I hit the lottery big time, this is the last new truck I will buy in my lifetime. Therefore, I hope that you folks might be able to steer me in the right direction with regard to items that will protect the truck from the elements. The dealership included some literature that showed "wheel house guards", which insert into the wheel houses of the rear wheel wells. They offer mud flaps as well. I did not see anything on bug deflectors or running boards or tubes. Do you guys have an opinion on these items as to whether or not they are worth the money and where might one get QUALITY aftermarket versions of what the dealership offers?

 

Also with regard to "running boards" I am interested in the tubular ones. I need them since the wife can't get in or out of the truck without using the rocker panels.

 

Has anybody tried to use the running boards meant for extended or quad cabs on regular cab trucks so that you have a step to get into the bed (of a regular cab)? I have a '74 Chevy stepside and the steps behind the cab are very handy for that purpose. The older I get, the more I appreciate that.

 

Do you have to loosen the cab bolts to install the running boards/tubes? Not sure I want to do that due to problems that might arise due to loosening then retightening them, not knowing torque specs. I don't want to mess up my new truck!

 

Thank you in advance for your advice,

Depp

[r1byker]

I bought a lot of stuff from Weathertech; bug deflector (which sacrificed itself when it got hit with a rock but protected the hood), floor protectors, and mud guards (cool no-drill install). Weathertech now sells a step/rear protector that fits into the rear hitch. I also installed Westin Platinum Steps.

 

Yes, if I remember correctly, installing the steps r and r the cab bolts, or at least some big bolts under there. But it was no big deal. Either the torque was specified in the directions or I just cranked it down to about what it was when I removed them. They haven't loosened in over four years.

[newdude]

Hi-

 

I took the plunge and bought a leftover but still new 2013 stripped Chevy work truck. Long story, but I am trying to baby this one and keep it for the long haul. So, I am driving my beater S-10 until the weather breaks.

 

Unless I hit the lottery big time, this is the last new truck I will buy in my lifetime. Therefore, I hope that you folks might be able to steer me in the right direction with regard to items that will protect the truck from the elements. The dealership included some literature that showed "wheel house guards", which insert into the wheel houses of the rear wheel wells. They offer mud flaps as well. I did not see anything on bug deflectors or running boards or tubes. Do you guys have an opinion on these items as to whether or not they are worth the money and where might one get QUALITY aftermarket versions of what the dealership offers?

 

Also with regard to "running boards" I am interested in the tubular ones. I need them since the wife can't get in or out of the truck without using the rocker panels.

 

Has anybody tried to use the running boards meant for extended or quad cabs on regular cab trucks so that you have a step to get into the bed (of a regular cab)? I have a '74 Chevy stepside and the steps behind the cab are very handy for that purpose. The older I get, the more I appreciate that.

 

Do you have to loosen the cab bolts to install the running boards/tubes? Not sure I want to do that due to problems that might arise due to loosening then retightening them, not knowing torque specs. I don't want to mess up my new truck!

 

Thank you in advance for your advice,

Depp

 

 

GM Accessories makes running boards, bug shields, window vents, mudflaps, tonneau covers, the list goes on. Covered under your bumper to bumper when dealer installed too.

 

The GM boards are installed via the rocker panel. There are holes made for mounting them. No need to mess with the cab mount bolts or anything. They have 3 inch or 6 inch styles, the 3 inch being tubular. Black or chrome are available.

 

The bugshield is available in black or chrome.

 

The molded mudflaps (with the gold bowtie on the rear flaps) are my personal choice. they look much better than the flat ones they offer.

[MB2008LTZ]

get the wheel house guards...!!!!!...then use as much ADAMS POLISHES products you can afford....!!!!!!!

[DeppvomDienst]

Guys:

 

Thank you for your replies. The wheelhouse guards, mudflaps and running bars are a given but the other stuff is nice to have as well.

Depp