Running Boards Corroded Out

[Benclayton]

Hey guys, New to the boards.

I purchased a 1998 QX4 with just over 100k miles on it for $5600 just a month ago. I knew that the running boards were rusted out when I bought it, and just figured I'd take them off, not a problem.

What I was wondering is if anyone knows where to order the beams they sit on, or any way to make them myself, seeing as my relatives have quite a bit of welding knowledge.

I've contacted Nissan and they want $1100 a piece for the boards, but the boards are in perfect shape, in fact, the entire body is pristine, but those beams or tubing are just...gone..

I just want to know if anyone out here has had a similar problem and what you did to solve it?

Any info that doesn't amount to "Google It" is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[markmdz]

minus the $5600 thing (good deal btw) I'm in the exact position.

My 97 had the same rusting of the board frames. ...and I, just as you did, found that these boards do not exist in junk yards, and from the dealer (if they can even get them), you might as well buy yourself a new car for the price they want for them.

Mine are off, and sitting in my garage at the moment. Every bit of research I have done has yielded the same result. I either put the sagging, unsafe boards back on for aesthetics, or bring them to a welder to get rebuilt.

If you look under them, it's not all that elaborate, but very obvious why they rust out so quickly. It looks like it's just a matter of getting yourself a couple lengths of 1" square tube, and cut the little mounting tabs off the old bar, and weld them up to the new one. Then plastic rivet the cover back on and you're back in business. Although costly, I would consider getting the 'new' frames powdercoated, or at the least, shoot them with rubberized undercoating and cap the ends of the bar so they don't collect and keep water in them.

[VikingQX4]

That's a hell of an idea Mark! I'll try the square tube re-weld (may not be until Spring) and follow up after coating it with the good black undercoat.

[mke0628]

My dad had the same problem on his so my husband took the running board off and welded a new pieces the existing frame to "stiffen it". I took an easier route on mine I ordered used boards from a salvage yard and paid $150.00 for 1 that was in really good shape. Either way works...