Lighted Running Boards - Gaps too big? - Honda Pilot

Trumpton · 10-03-2011, 08:01 PM

Hi all,

Recently bought a 2011 4WD EX-L and had running boards fitted last weekend. One of the boards fits well at one end (no gap) but the other end of that board and both ends of the other have about 1/4" gap. There's also a gap in the regular trim (which mates with the metal bodywork along the door sill). Attached are a few photos showing one good end and the gaps. Do you think this is normal, or should I take it back to get them adjusted?

Thanks!!

iggibar · 10-03-2011, 08:32 PM

Take it in to get adjusted, or do it yourself.

mannyjo · 10-03-2011, 09:27 PM

That's the problem, if somebody did it for you, you are lucky if they did it well, but most of them, they don't care as long as it got installed and working. But, if you did it yourself, you will do the best that you can do.

Trumpton · 10-04-2011, 05:29 PM

Thanks iggibar/mannyjo. The dealer said they'll readjust so hopefully they'll get it right next time! The did spin me a story about leaving clearance between the body and the running board trim to prevent it rubbing as the body flexes, but if that was the case, you would have thought they'd have left a uniform spacing. Anyway, I'll see how good a job they do on the second attempt and if there's still an issue after that, I'll have a go at it myself.

pntballgunz · 10-04-2011, 06:12 PM

What the dealer said about rubbing and flexing of the step body does make sense. I would want some clearance myself.

PilotVlad · 10-05-2011, 08:01 PM

I installed mine myself and initially didn't leave any gap. What ended up happening is all this gunk got stuck along the seems and cleaning it out was harder than it should be. I readjusted to leave about a 1/4 inch gap and now just spray out the crap with a hose. Much easier.

I also definitely see their point about possible rubbing marks from body and stepping flex.

My opinion - leave the gap.

Trumpton · 10-05-2011, 09:14 PM

Thanks PilotVlad - I was hoping to get some input from someone who had them fitted and lived with them.

I think my main issue with what the dealership did is the fact that one edge/side is touching but others aren't (with visibly different gaps), so it just gives the impression the dealer just put them on and didn't take any care to align. I think I'll get them all aligned so at least they are reasonably uniform, perhaps with a small gap as you suggest.

10-03-2011, 08:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Trumpton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Lighted Running Boards - Gaps too big? Hi all, Recently bought a 2011 4WD EX-L and had running boards fitted last weekend. One of the boards fits well at one end (no gap) but the other end of that board and both ends of the other have about 1/4" gap. There's also a gap in the regular trim (which mates with the metal bodywork along the door sill). Attached are a few photos showing one good end and the gaps. Do you think this is normal, or should I take it back to get them adjusted? Thanks!!

10-03-2011, 08:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
iggibar Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cleveland Posts: 207 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Take it in to get adjusted, or do it yourself. __________________ 2011 Honda Pilot EX-4WD. [bought] 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour EXL-4WD. [leased] 2009 Ford Focus SE. [bought]

10-05-2011, 08:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
PilotVlad Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 37 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I installed mine myself and initially didn't leave any gap. What ended up happening is all this gunk got stuck along the seems and cleaning it out was harder than it should be. I readjusted to leave about a 1/4 inch gap and now just spray out the crap with a hose. Much easier. I also definitely see their point about possible rubbing marks from body and stepping flex. My opinion - leave the gap. __________________ ________________________________________ 2011 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD Dark Cherry/Ebony 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type S Satin Silver/Ebony

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10-03-2011, 09:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
mannyjo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Posts: 21 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	That's the problem, if somebody did it for you, you are lucky if they did it well, but most of them, they don't care as long as it got installed and working. But, if you did it yourself, you will do the best that you can do.

10-04-2011, 05:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Trumpton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks iggibar/mannyjo. The dealer said they'll readjust so hopefully they'll get it right next time! The did spin me a story about leaving clearance between the body and the running board trim to prevent it rubbing as the body flexes, but if that was the case, you would have thought they'd have left a uniform spacing. Anyway, I'll see how good a job they do on the second attempt and if there's still an issue after that, I'll have a go at it myself.

10-04-2011, 06:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
pntballgunz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 69 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What the dealer said about rubbing and flexing of the step body does make sense. I would want some clearance myself.

10-05-2011, 09:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
Trumpton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks PilotVlad - I was hoping to get some input from someone who had them fitted and lived with them. I think my main issue with what the dealership did is the fact that one edge/side is touching but others aren't (with visibly different gaps), so it just gives the impression the dealer just put them on and didn't take any care to align. I think I'll get them all aligned so at least they are reasonably uniform, perhaps with a small gap as you suggest.

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