NoDo$h
Member Since: 02 May 2006
Location: Finding new and exciting ways to milk badgers.
Posts: 19689
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Decisions, decisions.....
The 06 SE I'll be geting an 2 weeks has sidesteps fitted  which I don't want, as they a) look like they may double as a spare deck for the USS Nimitz, b) will get in the way offroading and c) collect dirt and spray to deposit on your legs as you exit.
If these are removed, will this leave visible holes in trim etc and will these need to be plugged or trim replaced?
I have thought I may get the sill protector tubes fitted instead. Would these use the same mounting points? And do I go for black or bling? Only kidding, black only!!!
You'd think it was easy buying a used car wouldn't you.....  I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
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 21st Jan 2007 1:39 pm |
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Bodsy
Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
  
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AFAIK, the side steps have more mounting points that then rails, so you'll have to remove some of the brackets. The trim will have holes in it & I know there was a previous post where someone swapped their steps & trim for a new trim.
Don't know if it looks unsightly o will just get more dirt in the trim if you leave the holes there......
I bought some side steps off e-bay, but will more than likely put them back on as I don't think I'll ever mount them for the same reasons as you've already listed! 
if you download the fitting instructions for both from the LR site, it will give you the exact holes etc. Bodsys Brake Bible
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| 21st Jan 2007 2:00 pm |
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bkehoe
Member Since: 25 Feb 2006
Location: Wexford
Posts: 1481
 
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If removing the steps, you'll definatly need to get new trim, as there are 3 very large holes visible once the step is off where the 3 mounting brackets were. It cost me around €150 for the new trim (both sides) when I removed mine.
As for the tubes. These use (some) different mounting points, and the holes in the trim are visible even with the tubes fitted. IE - 05 D3 TDV6 HSE - Zambezi Silver
SA - 07 VW Golf TDI - White - Sold!
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| 21st Jan 2007 2:23 pm |
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d3matt
Member Since: 03 Aug 2005
Location: South Oxfordshire
Posts: 1485
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I'm removing my side steps for a month as I'm going on both the two off-roading weekends coming up. I enquired about the cost of the replacement sill covers last week and they cost £109 inc VAT and delivery from Nick at Yeovil.
I'll just leave holes visible for the month, as I will be putting the steps back on. Matt
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| 21st Jan 2007 3:55 pm |
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NoDo$h
Member Since: 02 May 2006
Location: Finding new and exciting ways to milk badgers.
Posts: 19689
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Different mounting points for what appear to be similar accessories. It's never simple, is it?
Do you guys think I could get away with simply putting rubber grommets over the holes in the trim? Or would this stick out like a sore  I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
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| 21st Jan 2007 8:09 pm |
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DiscoStu
Member Since: 09 Apr 2006
Location: London
Posts: 11412
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They're big holes - wide 'T' shaped slots, not round holes. A rubber cover would stand out, even if you could find something suitable (which I doubt). I've had my steps removed since the Peaks and I have to say that it doesn't show on mine at all. Whether this is because its black, dirty or a combination of both I couldn't say. A couple of people have even commented that it doesn't show. You'd have to get pretty low to notice. Disco 5 HSE Lux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peyiqaJrmMU
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| 21st Jan 2007 8:14 pm |
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NoDo$h
Member Since: 02 May 2006
Location: Finding new and exciting ways to milk badgers.
Posts: 19689
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Ta Stu. I think I'll pass the problem back to the dealer and just tell him I don't want the side steps and see what he says. I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
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| 21st Jan 2007 8:22 pm |
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oliver77
Member Since: 23 Jun 2006
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 398
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do you have to get the holes rust proofed?
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| 21st Jan 2007 8:27 pm |
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bkehoe
Member Since: 25 Feb 2006
Location: Wexford
Posts: 1481
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Well I covered over/filled in all the holes where the bolts were anyway. Put some stuff normally used for waterproofing antenna connectors in and a bit of tape for good measure. Had kept the grommets that were there from when I fitted the steps, so just refitted them. IE - 05 D3 TDV6 HSE - Zambezi Silver
SA - 07 VW Golf TDI - White - Sold!
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| 21st Jan 2007 8:32 pm |
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d3matt
Member Since: 03 Aug 2005
Location: South Oxfordshire
Posts: 1485
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For the month of two that my steps will be off the vehicle, I was just going to cover the bolt holes with some duct tape. I was also going to do the same with the large T-shape holes in the plastic trim, so they don't act as mud scoops when off-roading. I have some black duct tape that will do the trick nicely. Matt
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| 22nd Jan 2007 12:18 am |
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Gareth
Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26705
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I knew we would find a use for gaffer tape on a D3 eventually 
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| 22nd Jan 2007 12:22 am |
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dochummer
Member Since: 02 Nov 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 69
 
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I removed my side steps and had only the black trim on there. If you're gonna wheel like that, I would definately recommend covering the wholes with duct tape - probably from both sides. You really don't notice the holes when the doors are closed (I have a silver SE), but will see them with the doors open. If you're thinking about getting rid of the steps, your best bet would be to trade the sill fascias with the person you sell to....definately save you some $$$$. 2005 Zambezi V8 SE
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| 22nd Jan 2007 1:23 am |
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Bodsy
Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
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D3Matt, do you find the steps useful when installed?
Do you get the 'dirty trousers' syndrome when getting in/out of the car as has been commented on in other posts?
Want to do offroading, but also thought I wanted the steps......But I will also use the car as my normal exec car, so will be suited most of the time.
Not sure how much Offroading I'll get time to do, but certainly every couple of months I'd hope.
How often do you 'get dirty'? Bodsys Brake Bible
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| 22nd Jan 2007 10:23 am |
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d3matt
Member Since: 03 Aug 2005
Location: South Oxfordshire
Posts: 1485
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Bodsy wrote:D3Matt, do you find the steps useful when installed?
Do you get the 'dirty trousers' syndrome when getting in/out of the car as has been commented on in other posts?
I find the steps excellent - I wouldn't be without them. I fitted them soon after getting the car and this is the first time I'm removing them. I've done plenty of off-roading to date and while the steps do smack the ground when in ruts, I've only bent them up once. They don't really hinder you much and it is only when in ruts that they get in the way. It is only because I have two two-day off-roading weekends coming up, that I've decided to take them off for a while.
I've never yet got my trousers dirty on them yet either. Unlike steps on other manufacturers, the D3 steps are large enough to use properly, so you tend to use them rather than stride them.
They are good for protecting the D3 in car parks too. I always raise the suspension when parked, so car doors hit the steps rather than my side panels. Matt
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| 22nd Jan 2007 10:36 am |
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Bodsy
Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
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Thanks Matt,
No doubt I'll add them at some point. I think there's a potential planned trip out on 31st March (AndrewS suggested if the Jan one is a success?).
Don't think I'll do any trips without the experienced guys just yet, I'm not an experienced offroader and need to learn how to do it properly (and slowly!)before I put £40k+ of hard earned cash at the hands of a solo run down Geronimo!
I can hear the full LR days beckoning when time and available cash meet! Bodsys Brake Bible
D4/D3 Remote FBH heat kits
BAS Remaps/ EGR Blank
Transmission Flush
Software updates/enabling
Clock/ SNOTM /3Flash / 4x4Info /BT Update /Service Reset/Error Codes / Gearbox Reset
See It Here
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| 22nd Jan 2007 11:18 am |
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