Sidesteps or Running Board (Photo requests)

[Spyder67]

Just bought a 2012 black/black Touring a few weeks ago and considering adding the sidesteps unto the vehicle. I have been looking around (online and at the dealer) trying to see what the chrome or black side steps look like on a Pilot, without success. Does anyone on the forum has photos (and can post it/them) of any of the four types of steps that Honda offers? I am specifically looking for the chrome or black sidestep photo.

I was considering the chrome or black running board but they seem to be a bit bulky. Are they?

[rocky]

Try doing a search on this forum. Pretty sure you'll find what you are looking for.

[jjgoff2012]

I have a black 2012 Touring as well. I went with the premium chrome running boards. IMO they look perfect on the touring models...the chrome edge on the running boards compliments the trim down the side of the Pilot. They tuck in nicely so they do not appear bulky to me. I went with the running boards over the side steps so as to provide a bit of extra protection for the rocker panels. I've seen some Pilots that had some "sandblasting" in this area and the running boards will alleviate this issue...the DOH in my area have been using a fine aggregate with the salt they put on the roads in the winter lately and it can really do some damage. I'll get some pics later today so you can see exactly what they look like.

[titleist]

Here is our '11 Touring with chrome side steps. The bulkiness fits the appearance of the vehicle well. It's not a diminutive vehicle at all.

[Spyder67]

Thanks everyone. I love the looks of tilieist's chrome side steps. I'm really leaning towards buying a pair of those. Still did not find a black sidestep photo. Still searching.....

[LanceHS]

Here you go:

[Spyder67]

Thanks Lance. See post below

[Spyder67]

Thanks Lance. Nice choice of color for the Pilot. Here is a photo of mine when I picked it up a few weeks ago (without the side step or running board).

[LanceHS]

Dark colors are real nice when clean and polished...

Regarding the sidesteps, I wanted something subtle. I don't have a Touring with the chrome on the doors so I thought plain would work better. I will say that if I did have a Touring I probably would have gone with either the premium running boards w/chrome or sidesteps w/chrome over the black sidesteps.

[banjokazoo]

Did anyone install the running boards or side step themselves? Or is it better for the dealer to install?

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by banjokazoo

Did anyone install the running boards or side step themselves? Or is it better for the dealer to install?

I don't trust dealers to do any kind of aftermarket install/upgrade. Learned my lesson once, and don't ever feel like learning it twice. I did it myself, and while it wasn't "hard," I did slightly modify my step bars for more support. In the end, I know exactly how they are supported, and can do maintenance on them if need be. Also, there are plenty of us on here that can help you if you need help installing them yourself.

[LanceHS]

Originally Posted by banjokazoo

Did anyone install the running boards or side step themselves? Or is it better for the dealer to install?

It seems that self install is fairly straight forward. The main issue appears to be that a special tool is required. Do a search and you will find several threads on this.

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by LanceHS

It seems that self install is fairly straight forward. The main issue appears to be that a special tool is required. Do a search and you will find several threads on this.

This is actually not true. It's only true if you buy the OEM steps. You do not need any special tools, such as the riv-nut tool when buying other steps.

[andrew a.]

Take a look in my 'garage'...I like the subtle look of OEM black side steps which is more easy to maintain especially I live in a salt belt state.