Anyone install running boards on there 5th gen

[R.anderson]

Tried installing a set and all the studs on the rocker panel have so much paint on them you can barely make out the threads tried running a die on them but didn’t work well


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[Accountant]

I used a dremel with wire brush attachment. Yes it took a while for each bolt but well worth it. I cross threaded the first nut by not completely removing all the paint. Luckily I could fix the thread on the nuts.

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[Accountant]

Also brushed on flex seal on the exposed bolts after the install.

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[runamuck]

I just ran a die over them. for me the odd thing is the tiny 4 bolts that hold the running board onto the mounting brackets and on the wheel to wheel factory ones that I bought there are only two mounting brackets on each side even though there are three sets of mounting studs on each side..be nice to have that center bracket on each side for such a long set of boards.

 

[lonestar21]

Also brushed on flex seal on the exposed bolts after the install.

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I just ran a die over them. for me the odd thing is the tiny 4 bolts that hold the running board onto the mounting brackets and on the wheel to wheel factory ones that I bought there are only two mounting brackets on each side even though there are three sets of mounting studs on each side..be nice to have that center bracket on each side for such a long set of boards.

What exactly are you guys using to remove the paint off the bolts?

 

[Accountant]

What exactly are you guys using to remove the paint off the bolts?

I used my dremel tool with wire brush wheel attachment.

 

[lonestar21]

I used my dremel tool with wire brush wheel attachment.

Did it come off easy?

 

[RAMlaw]

I broke 2 of the bolts. =/ Does anyone know if its replaceable?

 

[lonestar21]

I broke 2 of the bolts. =/ Does anyone know if its replaceable?

How did that happen?
I’m asking because I’m about to install my steps this weekend

 

[Accountant]

Did it come off easy?

Yes but takes some patience to get through all that paint. Can't stress enough how important it is to remove all the overspray. It can easily cross thread the nut.

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[Accountant]

How did that happen?
I’m asking because I’m about to install my steps this weekend

I can see it happening if you use an impact wrench and try to power through the overspray. Or overtorque it.

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[runamuck]

How did that happen?
I’m asking because I’m about to install my steps this weekend

you need to clean the threads with a die or wire brush or something. If you wail on them and break one the repair might be to grind the rest off and drill and tap thru the remaining head that is spot welded on. there is only room for a short bolt too..could be done tho.

 

[lonestar21]

you need to clean the threads with a die or wire brush or something. If you wail on them and break one the repair might be to grind the rest off and drill and tap thru the remaining head that is spot welded on. there is only room for a short bolt too..could be done tho.

What die did you use? Is it the same as a paint stripper?

 

[Accountant]

What die did you use? Is it the same as a paint stripper?

I would recommend using a dremel (rotary tool) and the wire brush wheel. This is also the method recommended by Mopar. Paint stripper will take several applications because of the layers of overspray on the bolts so the amount of time you would have to apply and wait for each bolt, it would be about the same to use a rotary tool. If you are completely comfortable using a die, then that is an option. Done incorrectly, it could make things worse for you because the overspray is from the tip of the bolt, not just on the threads. So if you don't get the right starting point of the threads, you may end up creating new threads in the paint layers instead of just removing the paint.

 

[lonestar21]

I would recommend using a dremel (rotary tool) and the wire brush wheel. This is also the method recommended by Mopar. Paint stripper will take several applications because of the layers of overspray on the bolts so the amount of time you would have to apply and wait for each bolt, it would be about the same to use a rotary tool. If you are completely comfortable using a die, then that is an option. Done incorrectly, it could make things worse for you because the overspray is from the tip of the bolt, not just on the threads. So if you don't get the right starting point of the threads, you may end up creating new threads in the paint layers instead of just removing the paint.

Thank you I have no experience in doing this but the Dremel/brush wheels seem more do able to me I plan on buying the stuff today and maybe starting it.

 

[Accountant]

Thank you I have no experience in doing this but the Dremel/brush wheels seem more do able to me I plan on buying the stuff today and maybe starting it.

I would get a couple of the brush wheels because there are 18 bolts to clean. Also, as you clean the threads, test it out by hand threading the nut. It should go on easily like butter. If it doesn't then keep cleaning. The paint overspray is on really thick. Take your time and as you clean, keep the brush moving so you don't stay in one spot and potentially wear down the thread itself. It will be tedious, but well worth it in the end when you admire your new running boards.

 

[lonestar21]

I would get a couple of the brush wheels because there are 18 bolts to clean. Also, as you clean the threads, test it out by hand threading the nut. It should go on easily like butter. If it doesn't then keep cleaning. The paint overspray is on really thick. Take your time and as you clean, keep the brush moving so you don't stay in one spot and potentially wear down the thread itself. It will be tedious, but well worth it in the end when you admire your new running boards.

Thank you for the head up ill make sure to buy 2. And yes I’m already dreading the process but I agree with you it will be worth it

 

[runamuck]

What die did you use? Is it the same as a paint stripper?

no. a die from a tap and die set..5/16 I think. it will put new threads on a plain rod or freshen up crappy threads..a whole set from HF is cheap and good to have. you just thread on and after a few turns you are good to go

 

[RAMlaw]

How did that happen?
I’m asking because I’m about to install my steps this weekend

I was putting in the nuts without removing the paint from the bolts first

 

[tsully]

Just did mine yesterday , wire brush it good, Then once started, muscle it on, mine came with nylon nuts so it was Tough going on, or you can use regular hex nuts and lockwashers to make it go onto easier