Guys with BudBuilt bump out sliders - quick question before I order

[brockeverly]

I have decided that I am going to get the BudBuilts, but I need a question answered from those of you that have them prior to ordering them. My daughter will be using the bump out section as a step to get into the truck. Should I get the treadplate in the back, or is the space small enough that she will not get her little feet stuck in there? I would hate for her to hurt herself trying to be independent. From the photos I have seen it is hard to tell for sure. Thanks guys!

 

[zidaro]

I have a set on my Tundra and they are definitely large enough of a hole to get a foot stuck in. that said, my 7yo daughter has no issues.
If your that worried though, i think the back-half tread is nice, you could always just add your own at a later date if your savvy with a welder or willing to pay a fab shop.

 

[CAN-03runner]

I don't have bud's sliders, but in general sliders are not really steps, especially round tube. Since he has a nice easy option to put on a platform, add it. It is also useful if you are trying to put anything on the roof rack. I just always lift my daughter into the truck or help her in. (but she's only 4) And if my wife has a heel on, she'll get all caught up in between the tubes. The sliders are also higher up than actual steps, so if someone is not tall it is a balancing act getting in.

 

[brockeverly]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. My daughter is just three, and very independent. I am thinking that the tread plating in the rear would be worth it now rather than paying to powdercoat again later after I have to add it in :biggrin2:

 

[phillyd2]

Mine is 5 years old and uses it as a step all of the time. Her foot slipped through once but thank goodness the sliders were not damaged. Oh, she was ok too.

 

[Mick1]

Definetly get the tread plate. At least in the back.

I have mine that way and do use it as a step especially when digging crap out of the back.

Consider getting full tread plate for the mud guard characteristics. I like the way my partial looks but sometimes think i should have got full.

I have a thread with pics at the 120 forum.

 

[brockeverly]

Did you guys get them powdercoated or just paint them? It seems to me that one rock will mess up the powdercoating, where flat black paint can be easily touched up. Not to mention cheaper and faster to ship.

 

[Intruder]

I plan on getting mine bare and using rattlecan on them for the reason you mention. Plus, if you're getting treadplate then think about every time someone steps on them with grit on their shoe soles. Might want to look into something like POR-15, which I'm told is bomb proof.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Por 15 is great. But you need to follow the prep work. And it really prefers to stick to rusty metal over nice shinny steel. It is also pricy. And be sure not get any on your hands or face. It wont come off for a long time.

I prefer to use brushed on tremclad. I find there is more paint per coat and better adhesion than spray can. I use the red oxide primer and then tremclad black. Then i finish with spray can to get a nice even textured look.

 

[Intruder]

Yeah, the guys I know who used POR on their sliders left them out in the rain bare so they'd rust up first. I think POR also has an etching prep that they sell though I imagine it isn't cheap either.

Do you use brush on for both the red oxide primer and the black coat?

 

[Qjake]

Get the tread plate and maybe add some anti-slip grit strips to it also.

An ounce of prevention...

 

[Mick1]

I got the sliders powder coated and glad I did. They still look great. Only a few rub marks on the outer edges from stumps and dirt ruts etc. No major rock scrapes yet.

I got my skid plates bare. I spent a lot of time painting them. Been off road and did a little scraping, now it is a super disaster under there from mid-west winter salt. Lots of rust. Powder coat might have held up better. No big deal, I'll just respray in the spring.