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Tube Steps

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Ira

Tube Steps
« on: November 01, 2007, 06:56:43 AM »
I swear--I used the search feature first. Even found this:

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=2673.0

Like the author of that thread, all I want are 2 1/2" or 3" diameter tube steps that I'll paint black, mainly cosmetic, but also to help me get to my soon to be purchased roof rack. I'm a little fidget, so I'll need that, and I'm only 125 pounds, so this combined with no off-roading means it doesn't have to be all that strong.

That thread didn't go too far, but I liked the idea of "just" bending aluminum and painting, because that would mean cheap. Going to a muffler shop was recommended there for doing the bends, but was it implied to buy the aluminum there too? Or bring your own and just have them bend it?

Next, for a 2-door, I should go the whole length, right? 36" for the door width, plus those extra few inches front and back? Or do you think it looks better just the door width? Also, anyone ever do the math on this for the length of pipe needed?

Finally, in another thread, I read the infamous bolt-versus-weld controversy, and I'll bolt because fire scares me. But what kind of bracket?

Sorry for so many questions, but as you should know by now, I'm an idiot. That's also why any pictures would help.




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Offline sidekicksrock

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2007, 08:34:07 AM »
OK the exhaust tube idea is an easy way to go. The only problem you are going to have is where the tube attaches to the frame. Whether you weld it to a plate then attach it to the frame or weld it directly to the frame (this would be my choice, I have tried bolting Nerf bars to a frame before) The exhaust tube is too thin to hold up, even if you are light. The metal will fatigue around the weld and break. The only way to possibly make it work would be to gusset the tube well where it attaches to the frame. Gussets are triangular shaped pieces which reinforce the tube at the frame or weld joint. 6 or 8 around each attachment point should do it. A good custom exhaust shop should be able to do it, Just let them do the welding they won't burn down your truck.
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Ira

Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2007, 08:47:52 AM »
Quote from: sidekicksrock on November 01, 2007, 08:34:07 AM
OK the exhaust tube idea is an easy way to go. The only problem you are going to have is where the tube attaches to the frame. Whether you weld it to a plate then attach it to the frame or weld it directly to the frame (this would be my choice, I have tried bolting Nerf bars to a frame before) The exhaust tube is too thin to hold up, even if you are light. The metal will fatigue around the weld and break. The only way to possibly make it work would be to gusset the tube well where it attaches to the frame. Gussets are triangular shaped pieces which reinforce the tube at the frame or weld joint. 6 or 8 around each attachment point should do it. A good custom exhaust shop should be able to do it, Just let them do the welding they won't burn down your truck.

But with all of this work, wouldn't it be cheaper then to just buy pre-made steps? This doesn't sound all that inexpensive.
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Offline SnoFalls

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2007, 09:42:54 AM »
I'd say find someone in your area that does tube work (cages, etc). Talk to them about making some bends and welding it to the frame (with some plate gussets).

It's a simple job for someone with a bender.
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Offline Drone637

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2007, 09:57:41 PM »
One problem with going with light tube is you break it when you drop it on a rock.  I say make it from some real tube, or at least some solid pipe.  :)
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Offline sidekicksrock

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2007, 07:37:24 AM »
Quote from: Drone637 on November 01, 2007, 09:57:41 PM
One problem with going with light tube is you break it when you drop it on a rock.  I say make it from some real tube, or at least some solid pipe.  :)

He says he does not take the truck off road he just wants to be able to step on it. I agree though a heavier pipe would be better.
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Offline Drone637

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2007, 10:02:24 AM »
Quote from: sidekicksrock on November 02, 2007, 07:37:24 AM
He says he does not take the truck off road he just wants to be able to step on it. I agree though a heavier pipe would be better.

I kept saying the same thing, my DD would not be going off-road.  After the plastic trim on the passenger side was pushed up into the door I decided to finally get some real rocker protection.   ;D
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96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
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Ira

Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2007, 12:11:52 PM »
So what are you guys tallking about--STEEL?

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Offline SnoFalls

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2007, 01:31:17 PM »
1.5" HREW pipe .120 thickness
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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.

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Ira

Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2007, 04:23:33 PM »
Quote from: SnoFalls on November 02, 2007, 01:31:17 PM
1.5" HREW pipe .120 thickness


THANK YOU! Some information I can USE!

Of course, I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but I'll print this out and show it to a friend that does.

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Offline SnoFalls

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #10 on: November 02, 2007, 04:42:42 PM »
whoops and here I called it "pipe" ... "tube" is what I meant.

and for "steps" and/or sliders perhaps 2"x.120 HREW would be better.
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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.

Buy-it, Build-it, Beat-it, Part-it
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Offline Drone637

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2007, 02:30:36 AM »
2" would look pretty good.  I have the Trail Tough sliders at 1.5" and they are pretty stylish.  :)
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Crawlers NorthWest
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Offline PHX96TRACK

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Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2007, 12:54:32 AM »
Check out Trail Tough I'm gonna get their sliders soon . I bought a front bumper from them and I love it. Good price and good product and service.
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96 4dr Tracker - 30x9.5s on 1-3/4" spacer lift. 2.25" Cat-back with Turbo exhaust.
DD is a Stock 93 Toyota Paseo- great car
2003 Toyota Matrix XRS- Family car
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Ira

Re: Tube Steps
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2007, 04:56:33 AM »
Weird:

I can get to the product categories page, but each of those links just gives me a blank page. I'm on a mac using Safari, so maybe I'll try Firefox.
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