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Painting/ refinishing AMP steps

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by HappyGilmore, Mar 17, 2019.

  1. Mar 17, 2019 at 8:36 PM
    #1
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    I got a pretty killer deal on some used AMP Research power steps. They are definitely well loved, but he provided a brand new wire harness and controller because the un-installer forgot to remove that part when he traded the truck in.

    Cosmetically they need to be refinished. I initially thought I'd just sand them and hit them with some satin or flat paint. But cleaning and painting a porous surface is a gamble since it traps so much dirt and grease that may not come out. I'm now thinking Line X, but have a feeling it won't be cheap. I also have thought about DIY liner, but stripping the steps completely still seems like my biggest hurdle. Lastly, I thought about just putting grip tape or non slip tape on the top, and then sanding the bottom surface completely down to aluminum and painting that. Seems labor intensive. (Not afraid of work, just want the best outcome while not outweighing the Craigslist price savings).

    Looking for prep ideas and finishing recommendations.

    The current surface is textured, but smoother than a Line X bedliner in my opinion. First picture is the top, second is the bottom. Kinda represents the worst parts. I don't want to put an obviously worn out part on a new truck. Thanks for any input!
    20190317_191102.jpg 20190317_191123.jpg 20190317_190937.jpg
     
  2. Mar 17, 2019 at 8:59 PM
    #2
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Not real familiar with the Amp steps, they seem nice. Can they be disassembled from motor?
    Recent good deal on NFabs, had powdet coated with some texture fot $150, they did all the prep. Well worth imho.
     
    HappyGilmore[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:00 PM
    #3
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Looks like replacement steps are $240 a pair. So unless I can have them Line X'd or powder coated for 100 bucks, not worth it.

    Looking like some sanding/ wire wheel is in my future...

    Edit...Trooper2 replied in the middle of my post. Will look at powder coat.
     
  4. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:01 PM
    #4
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Yes they can be completely removed with just the board, no linkage or trim. I'll have to look at powder coating, thanks!
     
    Trooper2[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:10 PM
    #5
    Major

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    If it was me, I'd go with the replacement steps. I would hate to sink time and money into trying to refurbish and you don't like the outcome and then you end up considering to buy the replacement steps anyways. Just my 2¢ :thumbsup:
     
  6. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:16 PM
    #6
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    I'm starting to agree with this. I may have jumped the gun posting this thread, not knowing the replacement cost. After posting here, I just went to check replacement cost for reference. I expected them to be 240 bucks each, not a pair.

    I'm not a rich guy by any means, and i enjoy working on projects. But my time is worth alot to me these days with a newborn, and working 50 or 60 hours a week.
     
  7. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:17 PM
    #7
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Yea, the $240 isn't real bad.
    Get different quotes for powder coating, seems prices vary a bit. I would think they would look great if price is right.
     
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  8. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:22 PM
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    Major

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    Big time facts! I agree, by no means am I a rich guy, I've just learned my lesson that yes I might not have it "immediately" but it's much less costly doing it right the first time. LOL. Congrats on the baby!
     
  9. Mar 17, 2019 at 9:24 PM
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    Major

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    Not at all. I would have thought they were alot more than this price point considering the initial costs but boy do I want some Amp Research Steps.
     
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  10. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:07 PM
    #10
    TuFerLife

    TuFerLife New Member

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    20699299-8364-4E6E-8E3D-6BF1DE1C9FA6_zps_bbe9b96a766b6a0e0d1c44f6d1fa16be76f95d87.jpg

    I had mine line-x’d and love the look. Only problem is the motor has left a small dent on both steps where the motor is hitting the step, which is kind of annoying.
     
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  11. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:10 PM
    #11
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Is it because the coating is thicker, so it interferes when stowed away?
     
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  12. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:12 PM
    #12
    TuFerLife

    TuFerLife New Member

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    That’s my only guess. And it doesn’t interfere at all, just the motor repeatedly hits they one spot, so it dented it.

    I was like you and found a used set, didn’t know they would replace them for $225 or whatever though.
     
  13. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:17 PM
    #13
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    How much did the Line X cost ya?
     
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  14. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:18 PM
    #14
    TuFerLife

    TuFerLife New Member

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    $125. I had them do it at the same time they did my bed.

    Edit: it’s acfuslly bullet liner, if that matters.
     
  15. Mar 17, 2019 at 10:37 PM
    #15
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Oh not bad. Ill see if prices are similar here. By the time I pay 9.25% tax and shipping I'm guessing I'm at 300 bucks.
     
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  16. Mar 18, 2019 at 5:30 PM
    #16
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Found the steps for 102 bucks a pop.

    http://www.mtestore.com/PartDetails.aspx?p=AMP-20-03752-79&d=POWER+STEP+ASSEMBLY+79"

    Still haven't decided yet. I might just degrease, scrub, pressure wash them real good (easy prep work vs sanding). Then throw a coat of primer and textured paint/ DIY bed liner on them. I'd be in it for probably 20 bucks in paint and not much time. If it works, great I saved 200 bucks. If not, I haven't lost much, and the boards are fairly easy to swap out. (I've installed a set these on my father in law's 4x4 Sprinter Van. )
     
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  17. Mar 19, 2019 at 8:32 PM
    #17
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    If anyone is curious.

    My wife told me if buying new steps means spending more time inside with the family, then buy new ones haha. I bought new ones at the link above for 204 bucks free shipping, no tax. Cheapest I found. And they actually drop ship from the factory 20 miles away from me. Online stores have some serious loop holes I've found out lately. Crazy how I can buy from a retailer out of state which doesn't require me to pay sales tax, but then the local factory ships direct to me.

    Cheaper for me, no complaints :cool::thumbsup:

    Side note, this happened on my old Tundra last year. I checked 4wp for some gears I wanted. They were 280 bucks. Ebay had the same gears for 224 or something from an East coast seller. I bought them. Return address when the box arrived was from the 4wp warehouse. (It's a huge hub local to me). They ended up being the wrong gears, and when I went to return them the manager was pissed. He said he was going to blackball the seller for selling them so low and then drop shipping from 4wp. I guess they have contracts to sell at an agreed price. He wasn't mad at me, but my return dimed out the seller. I still got the correct gears at the lower price. o_O
     
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  18. Mar 30, 2021 at 11:44 PM
    #18
    eduron84

    eduron84 New Member

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    Color matched handles Color matched mirrors TRD PRO grille Rigid Radiance light bars Go Rhino front and rear replacement bumpers 7 in BDS lift Cooper stt pro tires 37 in 20 in rims Led interior lights Winjet headlights RK SPORT hood TacoTunes replacement stereo system 5% window tint Viper alarm AMP Research steps Weather Tech mats Lockerdown console safe
    I have these same steps but mine are dented and scuffed up pretty bad. Was the size listed in your link the exact replacement for the crewmax tundra step?
     
  19. Apr 22, 2021 at 11:01 AM
    #19
    HappyGilmore

    HappyGilmore [OP] Ex 1st Gen Member

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    Yes. Double cabs require cutting them.
     

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