elmerjfudd

Hey all, My 1st time here.
I am needing to put a step or board on my truck.
I am old(and heavy) and need a low hanging strong step.
I was at shop yesterday and the mech said I do not have the
"seam" to attach any step or board properly.
He could mount it wit bolts/screws going straight up into
the rocker panel metal but that is all. He said it would not be
as I wanted it.
Is there any advice on which step or brand step or board that would mount
strongly on my truck which evidently has "different steel configuration underneath.
Than other years /models?
any advice please

Steve83

He's a mechanic - not an accessory installer. All trucks have a pinch weld seam. You just need a step/nerf bar built to fit your truck. Personally, I'd look for an original Ford step at the JY, or on CL/LetGo/eBay/etc. Or shop Amazon/etc. for new aftermarket bars built for it.

elmerjfudd

Hi Steve..I used the word mech ..actually an installer... this was a rv accessory seller installation place.
They do lots of truck run boards and steps . They have a display inside etc. The guy at the desk didn't
believe my son who said there wasn't
a seam. He went outside and looked underneath. Then he went and called the installer from the shop area
and he looked under and said...no seam..it is" just rounded"..he looked kinda perplexed.
That is when he said he could only put the screws/bolts in from the bottom (only).
So right now they are looking for boards/steps that have more attachment places
to handle my 285 lbs safely. Hopefully.
My son says the frame is back at least a foot and not ableto attach to it either..
So that is my situation now. I am hoping these guys can come up with a solution.
Thanks for your reply...I am doing online research now.
seamless in Coos Bay Or.

elmerjfudd

Steve and anybody who cares.
After quizzing guys who said there was no seam..turns out there is a welded seam but it doesn't stick out vertically
It is rolled over in a curve and is part of the
"rounded surface. " unable to use mounts that are provided for
that specific ford f150 supercab 1997.
..so far.. Going to another truck specialty shop tomorrow.

don't drink the kool-aid

Steve83

I bet Ford used that surface for factory &/or dealer-option running boards & steps.

ebygby

Maybe you can look to a metal fabrication shop that can make you what you want
attach it to the frame...as you pointed out older and heavy,