Step Bar Experts - Please Come On In Here

need-for-speed · January 19, 2009

I tried the search function and did find some answers, but it led to more questions.

I have narrowed it down: I want the 3 inch round, stainless / chrome (unless there's such a thing as 4 inch round) I see the Westin's on Amazon as shown here:

http://www.amazon.com/Westin-25-1680-Signa...e&carId=001

The price is great at $239 shipped. But they also fit the older models. Does this mean they bolt up using the cab mounts? From what I've read here, I'm much better off using the rocker mounting system that GM designed into the NBS. If that's true, do I need to buy the GM bars? I will install them myself and want something that bolts right up with no hassle.

Also, where do they attach (when using the rocker mount version)? I saw some black rubber plugs underneath. Do those pull out and reveal a threaded bolt hole?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am ready to buy!

Mike

PhilB · January 19, 2009

I have the GM nerf bars on my 07NBS Chevy. They mount up to the rocker panel. There were a couple of nuts already welded in to the rocker panel. They also supply some clip-on nuts that go in a couple of the holes in the rocker panel.

Phil

rogerf · January 19, 2009

I tried the search function and did find some answers, but it led to more questions.

I have narrowed it down: I want the 3 inch round, stainless / chrome (unless there's such a thing as 4 inch round) I see the Westin's on Amazon as shown here:

http://www.amazon.com/Westin-25-1680-Signa...e&carId=001

The price is great at $239 shipped. But they also fit the older models. Does this mean they bolt up using the cab mounts? From what I've read here, I'm much better off using the rocker mounting system that GM designed into the NBS. If that's true, do I need to buy the GM bars? I will install them myself and want something that bolts right up with no hassle.

Also, where do they attach (when using the rocker mount version)? I saw some black rubber plugs underneath. Do those pull out and reveal a threaded bolt hole?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am ready to buy!

Mike

Most of the step bars I looked at bolt to the cab mounts. Eventually decided on a solid step in stainless steel as I didn't like the open v-channel design of the bottom of the door facing the road given the amount of salt & slush I experience. The steps are rocker panel mounted and had the same part# and mounting as used on the GMT800.

Ron J Morgan · January 19, 2009

I have GM's on mine,love em solid as a rock lol......

seasu · January 19, 2009

I put on the wide oval GM ones. Love them.

Installation took less than 15 mins each side.

music · January 19, 2009

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been looking at step bars (mounted on trucks) for a few months (as I run across them). IMHO, the GM bars mount and look the best. I'm a bit torn between the 6" oval and the 3" round. The 3" is less pronounced, and looks "sleek", while the 6" looks "beefy". Both look very good and will do the job.

Spurshot · January 19, 2009

I'm not a fan of running boards, stepbars or whatever.

Look at the clean lines on Mike's truck. Look at my 99 2500 that my wife bought bars for. No contest for me.

I'm dreading my wife making me put some kind of steps on my new 08. I like it clean.

Ron J Morgan · January 19, 2009

I'm not a fan of running boards, stepbars or whatever.

Look at the clean lines on Mike's truck. Look at my 99 2500 that my wife bought bars for. No contest for me.

I'm dreading my wife making me put some kind of steps on my new 08. I like it clean.

Yea but the nbs trucks don't look bad with them if you use GMs bars. But the only reason I have them is

THE WIFE!

Outbacker · January 19, 2009

I had the Westin step bars put on my truck, and I like them. My wife is only 5 foot nothing, so getting in and out of the truck is a bit of a climb. But yeah, they are great. I had a shop install them (feeling lazy that day) and they were on in less then 15 minutes.

J-man67 · January 19, 2009

I got a trampoline for the woman....

Have you looked at the N-fabs? I think they look best.

VMax2007 · January 19, 2009

Yea but the nbs trucks don't look bad with them if you use GMs bars. But the only reason I have them is
THE WIFE!

Why not just buy an 09 F150 then? They come with bed steps.

bubba33 · January 19, 2009

I wpould not put any on this chevy it sits to low. I did put factory bars on my 03 2500 cummins and they worked real good. I would go with factory bars. The way they mount with the brackets under the bars are alot stronger set up. I think some of you are missing out on a big advantade of not having bars. If your wife can't get in you can go without her.

DanMan_S · January 19, 2009

I have/had the black GM wide oval steps on my previous and current trucks and I loved the look of this kit. I'm not a fan of steps either, but GM did a very good job with these.