DIY Nerf Bars

Here's what I have to start with. Picked these up at an auction last week for $10. They are new and intended for some sort of super cab truck...think maybe a Dodge. The tubes have the fixtures in the end to bolt them on but the frame brackets were not included. That's not a concern. I have bolts that fit and can make the hardware.

My question is, how would you cut them to fit. They are WAY too long for the standard cab Tacoma. I have some ideas but would like to throw it to the masses for input. Thought about trimming out the extra step and just using a single step or maybe using both steps and cut out the middle section to make it fit between the tires...…..or....a dozen other ideas. But for $10 I thought they would be a good start.

 

I would cut them with a saw to fit and find a smaller diameter pipe to inset for support.
It will not be expensive to have them welded together.
You will need to buy mounting brackets.
This Westin kit below sells for about $100 on Amazon.
This seems the cheapest way to do it.

 

are they too long to fit wheel to wheel like this?

If not and they fit just right, I think it would be slick looking

 

Do you have an extra cab or a doublecab?

If you only have 2 doors, those extra steps would look weird. I'd say cut the rear step out.

Are you intending to weld these to the frame for a poor man's rock slider or just to the body like a regular nerf bar? Hopefully not the former, I'd recommend against that - these tubes won't hold up to the weight of the truck.

I don't know that I'd bother using a sleeve on the inside for extra strength. For rock sliders? Yeah, but for a step I'm not sure that's necessary.

 

My truck is a standard cab. I have all the capabilities of making my own brackets and welding. Heck, could have made them from scratch but this was a cheaper start than buying the materials.

Yes, they are WAY too long for the between the wheels look like the pic referenced earlier. Though, I'd like to keep them as long as possible but that would mean leaving both steps in place and I'm not sure that would look right.

The intent is for rocker panel protection from the elements and road debris, not as a rock slider. Possibly a faux rock slider look but with NO intention of ever using them as such.

 

Oh, well weld away!

 

Those are no good step bars useless. if you make contact with say a small log they bend like an aluminum can and do more damage to the truck than they are worth. re sell them for $100 on letgo or some place like that. if you cut and weld them they will be weaker. they are super thin tube and in my OPINION GARBAGE!! But if you must use them good luck those usually rust out in a year or 2 anyways so have at it.