Running Board Install - Plastic Piece Off or On?

[advan24r]

Anyone figure out if there's any benefit of keeping the plastic pieces that needs to be cut to be on or not (RUNNING BOARD OWNERS)? From what I've researched, it doesn't add any protection other than a dirt/water trapper and more of aesthetics. Just debating if I want to cut into it or just leave it off. Slider people no need to vote or respond since I know they act as the plastic cover.

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[citizen]

It was easy to take them off, cutting the slots didn't yield that much benefit. If I were to do it again, I'd probably just keep the panels mint and leave them off.

 

[tjmsquared]

For those of us without running boards, what plastic piece needs to be cut or removed? Can you post a picture? Is this the plastic at the bottom of the truck that runs all along the sides?

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

For those of us without running boards, what plastic piece needs to be cut or removed? Can you post a picture? Is this the plastic at the bottom of the truck that runs all along the sides?

Yes, there are three plastic panels that run along each side. My only concern with removing is that the undercarriage will be subjected to damage from road debris and dirt will get up in there. I know its ecoated but I would still be concerned about rocks hitting it, damaging the coating, and allowing rust/corrosion. The plastics provide some protection of these areas.

Depending on which brand of running board...some of them have templates that allow you to cut the pieces.

 

[Willyspu]

I choose to cut them and then temporarily closed the holes/slots with Gorilla tape (yeah kind of redneck). But, I plan to cut pieces from rubber gasket material and use 3M weather strip adhesive to make a nicer seal for them.

 

[Polar]

Secret Option C - never removed

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I choose to cut them and then temporarily closed the holes/slots with Gorilla tape (yeah kind of redneck). But, I plan to cut pieces from rubber gasket material and use 3M weather strip adhesive to make a nicer seal for them.

This was exactly what I thought about. Interested to see how your design works. It sounds good.

 

[advan24r]

The installers are somewhat suggesting that I just go w/o the plastic trims since they really have no apparent use other than for aesthetics. Dirt and water still gets trapped inside. That is why I'm trying to see if I'm missing anything about them.

 

[twizzstyle]

I have the DCE sliders and reinstalled the plastic panels. I fully understand they are mostly aesthetic, but I feel better having them on there. It took a lot of cutting, and I added some rivet nuts in existing holes on the sliders to attach the panels. They are every bit as solid as the original installation.

 

[3l3c7r1c]

I have the DCE sliders and reinstalled the plastic panels. I fully understand they are mostly aesthetic, but I feel better having them on there. It took a lot of cutting, and I added some rivet nuts in existing holes on the sliders to attach the panels. They are every bit as solid as the original installation.

I am thinking of getting DCE since they claim that it already covers the part it used to be covered. Do you feel like this wasn't the case? You already said it's mostly for aesthetic purposes, but curious if there is any other reason.

 

[twizzstyle]

There is a lot of exposed area with the sliders installed. Nothing that needs to be covered, I don’t think you would ever have a measurable difference in noise or aero efficiency with it open. There is open extrusion on the battery shield that could get dirt and rocks in it… which would do no harm. But I’m still happy to have the plastic on. Photo included showing what it looks like with the sliders but no plastic.

I am thinking of getting DCE since they claim that it already covers the part it used to be covered. Do you feel like this wasn't the case? You already said it's mostly for aesthetic purposes, but curious if there is any other reason.
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[Oldsmobile_Mike]

This is the kind of quality content I come here for. Just my opinion, but think it looks a lot better with the plastic on. Appreciate everyone for posting pictures!

 

[Sevn86]

I have the DCE sliders and reinstalled the plastic panels. I fully understand they are mostly aesthetic, but I feel better having them on there. It took a lot of cutting, and I added some rivet nuts in existing holes on the sliders to attach the panels. They are every bit as solid as the original installation.

That’s a nice clean install!

 

[advan24r]

I’m getting my running boards installed today, I’ll most likely get it cut and put back on for aesthetics and some sort of protection even though it’s not really needed.

 

[vman]

I installed mine last week. Mine is a lease so I can't really cut the plastic trim. I'm planning to get mud flaps and then washing regularly to protect the underside. ?

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