I fitted a set of side steps last year and have noticed that the aluminium trim is starting to get marked on the leading edge from stones and road grime thrown up from the front wheels. I have tried various methods of cleaning but decided that some form of protection was required to prevent further damage.

I decided to try applying some 3M paint protection film to the leading edges of the trim. I am please with the results and the film can only be seen if looking very carefully at the trim finish. The original aluminium trim has a satin finish and the 3M tape has a gloss finish.

The film is easy to apply, just keep it wet with a mixture of water and washing up liquid, this allows you to slide the film around on the trim until you have it correctly aligned. Then just use a plastic card to squeeze the water from behind the film and that is it.

I will provide an update in the Autumn to see how effective the protection is

Good job. Great solution.

Yes. Interesting. Just got to get mine in a condition where they’re clean enough to warrant protection.  Robin
2008 Range Rover Sport TDV8
Gone:
Jaguar S-Type V8 4.2 Sport
MGZTT 190 2.5

Why not put it on the whole length? Protect it all then As said, I`d need to get mine half decent to bother with this. Steve.

I thought that I was the only one that had this problem. They really are a to keep clean!!!  2010 RR 5.0 Autobiography
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2018 RRS HSE Dynamic 3.0
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2011 Disco 3.0
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Cymruambyth wrote:

Why not put it on the whole length? Protect it all then As said, I`d need to get mine half decent to bother with this.

Cymruambyth wrote:

Why not put it on the whole length? Protect it all then As said, I`d need to get mine half decent to bother with this.

Hi Cymruambyth,

Yes, that would definitely be an option to cover the whole length but it is only the leading edge of the aluminium cover trim that seems to be a problem on my side steps. From a visual perspective, it is not obvious that I have only covered the leading edges, I had to take a lot of photos from various angles to get it to show up in the pics!

I will monitor the trim over the next 6 months and if necessary, will cover the whole trim length before winter arrives

While we are on the subject of sidesteps,,,,ive just replaced mine after having them colour coded last week by a friend who’s a paint sprayer.


Andy. Andy.
21 Ford Ranger
Gone but not forgotten
Focus RS Red Edition
2015 RRS AB Fuji.
2014 RRS SC Santorini
2016 VW Amarok
2014 RRS AB Fuji
2012 RRS Red Edition Fuji
2015 Nissan Navara
2012 RRS SE Santorini
2008 RRS White
2007 RRS Santorino

Looks good Andy

If my 3M protection film does not 'hold up' to road conditions, colour coding will be my next option

Did your sprayer mate take the aluminium trims off and paint them or mask the steps up and paint the trims while still attached to the steps?

Steve

Steve,,mine are aftermarket steps & the trim is only riveted on & is metal not alloy,,so i drilled the rivets out removed had them painted then refitted this morning.I put a coating of Gtechniq C5 on yhem thurs for extra protection

Andy Andy.
21 Ford Ranger
Gone but not forgotten
Focus RS Red Edition
2015 RRS AB Fuji.
2014 RRS SC Santorini
2016 VW Amarok
2014 RRS AB Fuji
2012 RRS Red Edition Fuji
2015 Nissan Navara
2012 RRS SE Santorini
2008 RRS White
2007 RRS Santorino

A thin coating of ACF50 every few months over 3 years and mine were almost like new when I sold it after 40k miles

Just the vents to do black & tint the front windows & all will be good.


Andy Andy.
21 Ford Ranger
Gone but not forgotten
Focus RS Red Edition
2015 RRS AB Fuji.
2014 RRS SC Santorini
2016 VW Amarok
2014 RRS AB Fuji
2012 RRS Red Edition Fuji
2015 Nissan Navara
2012 RRS SE Santorini
2008 RRS White
2007 RRS Santorino

You`ll need to look out for plod if you tint the fronts  Steve.

It will be ok,,they will give me a form to take to MoT station after ive removed it to get stamped,,,,,,ive got a mot station

Andy Andy.
21 Ford Ranger
Gone but not forgotten
Focus RS Red Edition
2015 RRS AB Fuji.
2014 RRS SC Santorini
2016 VW Amarok
2014 RRS AB Fuji
2012 RRS Red Edition Fuji
2015 Nissan Navara
2012 RRS SE Santorini
2008 RRS White
2007 RRS Santorino

I think they usually make you take them off at the roadside  Steve.