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-   -   Power retractable steps?? (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=508391)

joe231 02-11-2012 01:29 AM

Power retractable steps??
 
I need some steps on my crew cab for the wife.
I don't like nerf bars or running boards and I don't like the idea of steps that hang down for anything to get hung on. I have seen some "sidewinder" retractable steps up here but I have heard they don't hold up well to dirt and our winters. Does anyone have any experience with any retractable steps?
I have been kicking around the idea of making some using air actuators or some type of linear actuators, has anyone built their own?

Thanks!!
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BLAZERMAN 02-11-2012 02:48 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
I dont have any personnal experiance with them but have heard lots of good things about AMP retractable steps.

turp mcspray 02-11-2012 11:06 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
1 Attachment(s)
I went the ultra simple route. A piece of chain. Much easier to get in, and no loss of ground clearance. You could dress it up with some kind of covering. Not as easy to use as a step, but it works great. Just a thought.

OldCreek 02-11-2012 12:00 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Those chains would be a great Valentine's gift for the wife! :uhmk:

joe231 02-11-2012 02:49 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
BLAZERMAN,
the AMP retractable running board/steps are sweet....but I'm too cheap to spend $1100+shipping for them, that's more than I have in my rig :lol:

turp mcspray,
I have thought about chain....I was kinda worried that they might snag on something or rattle.

OldCreek,
I'm sure that will go over well :lol:

Thanks for the input guys!!
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turp mcspray 02-11-2012 07:58 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
FWIW, I have never had any problem snagging them on anything. And they HAVE been drug over a lot of stuff! As far as rattling, my blazer made enough noise between the exhaust and the swampers, that I never heard them. I would think putting some kind of covering on them would eliminate any noise that they may make.. They are SLIGHTLY cheaper than the retractable ones, but hey, style and technology comes with a price. LOL!

joe231 02-11-2012 11:27 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
LOL!

Thanks turp!
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Billhilly 02-12-2012 02:39 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
1 Attachment(s)
Here's one I saw on another site. Duplex chain would 'hold' the step as you got in the truck, but fold away when hit from in front or behind.

joe231 02-12-2012 03:23 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
That's a cool idea!!
Thanks!
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odog 02-12-2012 12:05 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Billhilly (Post 5182744)
Here's one I saw on another site. Duplex chain would 'hold' the step as you got in the truck, but fold away when hit from in front or behind.

Our loader and Excavators have step like these and they work great, EXCEPT they get kinda stiff after a while. Mud and moisture makes the links start to stick. They work good, but on a rig they might do some damage if pushed up from the bottom when they are stiff. I guess you could spray them with lube every so often, maybe that would keep the swinging free.

pops45 02-12-2012 09:13 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Check out these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kodiak-Elect...sories&vxp=mtr

Kodiak doesn't make them any more so you have to search for them. I bought a set for my K5 and they work great.

joe231 02-12-2012 09:55 PM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Good point odog!!

Thanks for the link pops!!
I'm on it like a fly on crap!!! :lol:
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joe231 02-14-2012 12:03 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
I got them!! :metal:

Now if someone would be so kind as to post pics of some mounted on an older Chevy, that would be great!!
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pops45 02-14-2012 12:13 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Give me a couple of days and I might be able to find the installation instructions. I've had the steps installed on a 91 K5 Blazer for about 8 years and I usually save the install stuff. I can get pics posted by Fri-Sat.

joe231 02-14-2012 12:28 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Right on!
Thanks a ton!!
I need to keep an eye out for another pair, or maybe I can build some copies after I get these and reverse engineer them :)
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pops45 02-14-2012 12:39 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Check this out. Install instructions here: http://kodiakproducts.com/A_Installation.html

Joe

joe231 02-14-2012 01:23 AM

Re: Power retractable steps??
 
Sweet thanks!!
I found the wiring info on another site, but all that other stuff is awesome!!
I saved everything for future reference :thumbs:


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