Plugging holes after removing predator steps?

I removed my predator steps. They get in my way. I read on another post that from the factory trucks without the steps have "plastic plug bolts" in place of where the steps mounted to the frame.

Anyone have a part number to plug the mounting holes? If not, has anyone plugged them successfully in a way that is removable in case I remount later?

 

Just put the bolts back in without the steps there. If you want new bolts, take one to Home Depot to match the thread and buy whatever size you need

 

You can't just put the bolts back in?

 

You beat me to it!

 

If you decide you'd like to sell those predator steps, let me know! I'm in Southern Florida

 

x3

That's what I did

 

I failed to mention I may sell the steps and include the bolts in the sale instead of remount them. I did think about home depot replacements bolts, but was hoping someone might have a cheap plug solution I could just order from Amazon or some place. Worst case, I'll try bolts from Home Depot. Appreciate the feedback.

 

Will it hurt anything to leave the holes open? Do you need anything in the bolt holes??

 

Great question.

 

If you go to the dealer they might have some lying around. I plugged mine with plastic screws from auto zone.

 

I made a post about this not too long ago. If you want to plug the holes with actual screws the size is M8 1.25 x 25mm.

 

Some folks have also painted the seam weld black to make it look a bit better until you choose to put something else there. I think there was a discussion in the "What have you done to your 3rd gen" thread.

 

Problem solved. I visited Autozone and O'reilly and no way I will pay $4 for two plugs. Bolts were cheaper than plugs but neither store had enough on hand. Home Depot only had zinc plated metric bolts.

Lowe's to the rescue. I got the "Ford" push fasteners. 12 for less than $5. They fit snug.

 

Yup.
I did that as soon as I took my steps off.
It looks mo betta that way.
But that's just, like, my opinion, man.

 

Off-topic but what percent tint is that?

 

If there was steps bolted to them, the paint inside probably came off. If you leave it open it could collect dirt and water and begin to rust. It's a big concern for me being in Hawaii anyway. When I pulled the steps off my taco and the wife's 4Runner, I shot the holes with black spray paint, then plugged them with plastic screws from McMaster-Carr.

 

I bought it from the dealer like that, so I don't know what the rear windows are. I do know that the front windows are 28% because the first few places I took it to get a state inspection put a meter on it and they wouldn't give me an inspection sticker because it was illegal.

 

I can confirm the push fasteners Enchilada used by Hillman for Ford. Picked em up at Lowes, #881191, all 12 for less than $5. Holes filled and the fasteners go in very securely.

 

FYI, on some other cars, the mounting points for a trailer hitch is simply covered by a round sticker. Should be cheap and easy.

 

Thank you @Enchilada and @thelifeaquatic for the plastic Ford fastener suggestion. Probably saved me an hour from aimlessly looking through over priced bolts at HD and Lowe's. Now to get those predator steps removed.