Hoop steps for side-mount tanks

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Guys, I have been searching this subject here in the forum and haven't had much luck.

I would like to add hoop steps to my lifted K-10 to make it easier to climb in and out. My truck has side mounted tanks.

These are what I like: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=133

Obviously, they are stated not to work with trucks with side mount tanks. And being they are made of aluminum I would not be able to easily modify them to mount to the frame rails as I wish to do for strength and not wanting to drill holes in my rockers.

I am wondering if any of you have had success modifying these or other similar hoop steps to mount to the frame of your truck? I have access to a welder and am not scared to break out the welder and torches.

I am just looking for any experience based advice on getting a set of steps like this to work and be 100% functional as well as sturdy.

I am not interested in full nerf bars of running boards.

Thanks

[xole]

They don't mount to the frame, the mount to the sheet metal. They do have to be mounted a little forward to avoid the tanks. I have had 300 lb on mine without issue.

Instructions

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Thanks for that input.

Do you foresee any negative effects on your rocker panels with the steps mounted to them??

I am just worried about putting holes in my rockers. They are in good shape and solid and I do not want to compromise that.

So, your steps are the ones they say will not fit trucks with side mount tanks then?

I figured they would have to be a bit forward as you say, I'm OK with that.

My initial thought was to find a set of those steps made of steel so I would be able to weld to them if necessary to facilitate fabricating to mount them to my frame rails.

Nice looking truck BTW!

My brother has an '85, same config, almost same color!

[tucsonjwt]

I had them on my 83 when I got it. As mentioned, they attach with small (maybe 1/4" bolts?) to the rocker sheet metal. I did not like them. When going to the dump to drop off trash I always came back with trash clinging to the steps. Mine also rusted a bit, and left slightly rusty holes in the rocker panel where they were mounted. They also collect dirt and road debris.

If I absolutely needed steps I would look into RV style steps that are powered and extend when you approach the vehicle (you might have to put your foot under them to activate, like new vans and SUVs.) But at 6' plus, I will keep hoisting myself up, until I am too old, then I will just get around using my walker.

[tucsonjwt]

As I recall, they were also too far forward for me - almost to the front of the door. Seemed awkward for me.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Thanks Tusconjwt.

Yeah, I am more interested in getting some kind of steps for the woman and kids. I don't have too much trouble myself.

This is turning out to be quite the conundrum.

[xole]

Thanks!

Mine are aluminum. Since there is such a large contact patch I also used epoxy in the joint. I did not use the mounting hardware that came with them and used stainless instead.

Even thought they are knurled on top where you step, the knurl is kind of rounded off and they can be very slippery when wet.

[rich weyand]

I mounted step bars. They mount to the frame and the cab mounting bolts. You do have to drill a hole. I bought them from LMC, but they are available elsewhere cheaper, because the LMC ones are just Aries bars. They mount around the tanks. The black powder-coated ones sort of disappear.
Amazon.com: Aries 204040 3" Black Side Step...

[RIDE-RED 350r]

You know Rich, that looks better than I envisioned. And I like the idea of mounting to the frame and cab mounts as opposed to the rockers. Thank you for posting the pic so I could see how it looks. In this part of the country, the salt they spread on the roads in winter has all but eradicated the old squares...

I think the black would look good on my white truck. My rims, visor, grille, headlight bezels and most all of the other trim is all blacked out. The black nerfs might fit in nice.

I am just paranoid about putting holes in my good rockers. I don't have a show truck by any means, but she's solid and has alot of good qualities structurally and mechanically. I just don't want to create issues for myself down the road. I can rebuild an engine or rear end and things like that, but I'm not a body guy, not even a little bit. LOL!

And no, I don't drive the P.B. even a little bit in winter here. She stays home all winter...

Another darned nice looking truck!

[rich weyand]

Thanks!

A tip on preserving the rockers, cab corners, and tailgate and door bottoms. Spray some of this in there. Don't be cheap with it. It is the anti-oxidation compound they use in the voids in airplanes. No need to spray it out on the surfaces, just shoot some in there: it will actually spread out and climb up the inside of the sheet metal by itself. Spray some in there once a year. Maybe use half a can per year.

ACF-50 Anti-Corrosion Lubricant Compund:...

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Thank you for that tip!

I'll make sure and pick some up. BTW, those step bars are pretty reasonably priced.

[rich weyand]

Yeah, they're a pretty good deal at Amazon. I paid 40% more than that, because I wasn't sure the Amazon ones were what I wanted because the picture isn't right. They make a full 90 at each end and go under the cab/bed.

Oh, and spray some ACF-50 in those bars before you put them on. There is a plastic cap on each end of the bars to keep water out, but it will also keep ACF-50 in and they will NEVER rust from the inside out with that in there.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Originally Posted by rich weyand

Yeah, they're a pretty good deal at Amazon. I paid 40% more than that, because I wasn't sure the Amazon ones were what I wanted because the picture isn't right. They make a full 90 at each end and go under the cab/bed.

Oh, and spray some ACF-50 in those bars before you put them on. There is a plastic cap on each end of the bars to keep water out, but it will also keep ACF-50 in and they will NEVER rust from the inside out with that in there.

You Sir, are a very generous man with your knowledge.

That's twice in as many weeks that you have gone above and beyond to help me out.

Thank you.

[rich weyand]

You're welcome.

I'm just payin' it back. I was a real green newbie just five years ago when I bought my truck. Lots of musty stuff in the mental attic about engines and stuff from my youth back in the 60s and 70s, but nothing about the squarebody pickups. Lots of folks on the forums helped out, and my ride is all squared away now, so it's my turn to help.

Besides, I really like hearing how somebody got this squared away or that running right, and seeing a pic or two.

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I know what you mean...

I am on a select few forums related to my interests, S&W revolvers, my truck, and my Honda 3-wheelers. Sometimes I get help, sometimes I am the one helping. I enjoy every aspect of these communities in that way..

[rich weyand]

I have a S&W 619 myself.

Oh, if you do get those bars, when you drill the holes (one for each side), use a 1/4" drill at slow speed with a lot of pressure. There are times to use high speeds with a drill. Putting a 1/4" hole in a 1/8" thick piece of cold-rolled steel isn't one of them. Then use a step drill to open up the hole to the proper size.