installing Side steps???

[Carvingbarn]

I am thinking about getting a set of the tubular chrome steps for my new V. Has any on installed their own steps? Today, will at the dealer I ask about buying these steps. I have been pricing them on the web. The dealer wants $649 for a set I can buy them for $449 on the web from a Honda dealer. Even with shipping I save about $150. Just wonder if it is a do it your self job if you are not all that good at working on cars?

[2RedV's]

I am thinking about getting a set of the tubular chrome steps for my new V. Has any on installed their own steps? Today, will at the dealer I ask about buying these steps. I have been pricing them on the web. The dealer wants $649 for a set I can buy them for $449 on the web from a Honda dealer. Even with shipping I save about $150. Just wonder if it is a do it your self job if you are not all that good at working on cars?While I admit that they look good... side steps are not really very functional, especially on a low vehicle, like the CR-V.

They will dirty your pants/skirts,dresses., etc.
They will not protect from door dings - they do not stick out enough and are too low.
They limit your ground clearance during off-roading.

[Carvingbarn]

I agree with all you said but I have some physical issues and I have trouble even stepping in to the V with my right leg. With the step I can step up with my left foot and slip in the car. Goes with the gray.

[drivezki]

I don't think they look good on 07's. Other than that, I agree with 2RedV's.

They won't help you get in the V. :eek: IMO

[miko]

Side steps, tubes or running boards, look OK on gen 1 & 2, not on gen 3. However having said that, they may look good, but are of little benefit on CR-V's.

[Carvingbarn]

I have a friend that has the running boards on his V. I have tried them. It is easier access for my needs. Like some one said, If we were all just alike one of us would not be necessary. :)

[Greenzter]

Well, you opened this subject. If you ask, you have to expect negative as well as positive comments.

I actually had the bars on my 2006 V. OK at first. After a few months I hated them. Practically gave them away. For all the reasons already stated.

You asked about installation. No sweat. I did it. But it was not a 2007.

[Carvingbarn]

Well, you opened this subject. If you ask, you have to expect negative as well as positive comments.

I actually had the bars on my 2006 V. OK at first. After a few months I hated them. Practically gave them away. For all the reasons already stated.

You asked about installation. No sweat. I did it. But it was not a 2007.

Your right, if I had asked what others thought of the side steps. I just ask if it was an easy do it your self project. I was not looking for approval.

[Greenzter]

I realize that you were not asking for approval. But that's the way it goes. You bring up a subject, and you'll get comments.

And don't forget that there are many who like the looks and function of those steps. So you do what you think is right. You will in the end anyway. :)

[ds1392]

I bought them so I could easily reach the roof rack, and actually stand on them. I also bought them so my grand kids can get in and out of the car. I push my seat back before I get out , and use them getting out, to save wear on side bolsters(leather). Getting in, they aren't much help. I got the black ones. You have to remove the black plastic under body covers and cut out a notch(marked) they bolt right on. I prefer the black side moulding like skirts, but you can't use them to stand on. I'm buying the roof rack Thule like box for trips. Also helps when washing the car(reach the roof for us short guys). Cheaper online even with shipping(I believe).

[Carvingbarn]

I bought them so I could easily reach the roof rack, and actually stand on them. I also bought them so my grand kids can get in and out of the car. I push my seat back before I get out , and use them getting out, to save wear on side bolsters(leather). Getting in, they aren't much help. I got the black ones. You have to remove the black plastic under body covers and cut out a notch(marked) they bolt right on. I prefer the black side moulding like skirts, but you can't use them to stand on. I'm buying the roof rack Thule like box for trips. Also helps when washing the car(reach the roof for us short guys). Cheaper online even with shipping(I believe).
Thank you for sharing that information.

[ds1392]

No problem! Good luck!

[teacher698]

I am thinking about getting a set of the tubular chrome steps for my new V. Has any on installed their own steps? Today, will at the dealer I ask about buying these steps. I have been pricing them on the web. The dealer wants $649 for a set I can buy them for $449 on the web from a Honda dealer. Even with shipping I save about $150. Just wonder if it is a do it your self job if you are not all that good at working on cars?

I just joined having received my 2008CR-V last week. I, too, am thinking about the chrome steps. Did you get yours? If so, how do you like them? Any pics you can share?

[modifyouride.com]

Most of them are easily installed. Commonly they are no drill, using existing holes, and no hardware. I would have no misgivings about at home installation, provided you have basic handtools, and know now to wrench, even in the slightest degree.

Are you looking at round, or oval? What finish, stainless steel, or black?

[cuzofjade]

maybe this thread will help you a bit in installing side steps.

http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1374

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/artman2/publish/CR-V_38/Podcast_Episode_34_-_CR-V_Side_Step_Installation_580.shtml

[cderalow]

should be a pretty straight forward afternoon of installing. the holes are all ready there, it's simply cutting around some plastic undertrim if i remember right.

[Hap]

I was thinking about them for one basic reason- DOOR DINGS. But someone said they do not come out far enough. I wonder if there is an aftermarket manufacturer that does make them come out far enough to prevent door dings. That would be worth the investment right there- plus it would make it easier to brush the snow off the top.

[Black Pearl]

I was thinking about them for one basic reason- DOOR DINGS. But someone said they do not come out far enough. I wonder if there is an aftermarket manufacturer that does make them come out far enough to prevent door dings. That would be worth the investment right there- plus it would make it easier to brush the snow off the top.

You probably are aware of it but Honda sells stick on body molding. HandA has it for $168 for the Gen 3's. You can view the instructions at their website.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvext07.html

From another thread yesterday, the molding prevented a nasty ding for one of our members.

[candygram4mongo]

I have the chrome steps, but I am thinking of uninstalling them.

We bought our 08 EX in January.
It was a floor model with the chrome side steps installed. We were not in love with them, but figured that they might help our little kids in and out of the car.
As it happens, we do not like them at all. As others have said, the cr-v is low enough to make the steps unnecesary. All they seem to do is bump our shins when we get in and out. Ouch.

We really love the vehicle in every other way. Its our first Honda.
We'd be much happier without the steps, but I have questions:

1. Once removed, would the trim be damaged in any way? Another post mentioned cutting away some plastic trim for installation. Will this leave holes in the trim underneath?

2. What is the aftermarket for the steps? Would Honda buy them back from me? (I understand it would be less than we paid.) Is there a market for them on ebay? Would someone on crv-oc be interested?

[exbauer]

Honda will not buy them back. Your best best would be to selling them on forums, craigslist, or ebay. They are useless, but I like the look of them. I wouldn't mind a chrome set instead of the black ones I have. Where are you located?

I would suspect when you uninstall the parts that were cut underneath would not make a difference. The parts that were cut are really small.