I need to replace my rusted out Painted Nerf Bars. I'm looking at Stainless Steel ones, and have some questions. One style has what looks like painted brackets, which wouldn't be a problem, I'll just undercoat them. They also look like they have adapters made of painted steel in the ends of the bars. Anyone have this style? Any problems with the adapters rusting out. The other ones advertise Stainless brackets too. I can't tell how this would attach to the vehicle, so if anyone can clue me in I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

 

I've only played with Westin, DeeZee and Manik. They have what looks like brass and aluminum inserts or just have threaded bar inside the end of the tube.. Usually the brackets are fitted to select vehicles, so no adapters are needed. Just insert some speed nuts, hold the bracket up and run a bolt in. Then bolt the bars to the bracket.

Now another thing to look at is polished Stainless or chrome plated. Polished will most likely be bare and will need to be regularly waxed to keep them shiny.

 

I got a set of Ionic's. and they are on the truck. There was a sale on them 100 off, and zero shipping. I really like the way they are attached, they use bolt plates that go inside the sill rails.

 

I put on Nasta stainless system, all s/s i believe and love them.

 

The only 100% stainless steel steps including mounting bracket, bolts, nuts, and washers that I'm aware of are:

Nasta
Steelcraft
Westin E-Series (with optional stainless steel brackets; not sure if the bolts, nuts, and washers are SS)

 

I have a set of the westin SS nerf bars and love the look of them. Ive had them on for about 2 years now and no signs of any rust or any damage. also they are lifetime warranty.

-AJ

 

so how those ionics holding up so far?

 

I just bought new nerf bar myself, but they just lined up with the mounting brackets on my frame and all I had to do was bolt them in. Mine didn't have lights or anything so it took about 10 minutes. I don't know what bars you're interested in, but I got Lund 5 inch oval's and I'm happy with them.
Running Boards | Truck Running Boards | SUV Running Boards

 

well i purchased the ionics 5" blow molded bars. they have aluminum rails underneath for mounting the brackets to the truck. so far very happy with them took all of 25 minutes to install. being plastic they shouldnt rust but the brackets are metal so will see how they hold up. very sturdy too as they hold my fat *** with no problems!