Opinion please

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Had to remove side steps last week due to hell of a lot of corrosion. Must admit the P38 does look good without them BUT I now have a problem. Due to my various ailments getting in and out is not easy, so need to fit some more. Been trawling the internet and found a company called DST Automotive of Retford who do aftermarket steps at what I consider decent prices. Anyone used or had dealings with them? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

nigelbb · Jul 7, 2023

I can't help with the OP but I too had to remove the originals due to corrosion & am looking for new side steps. I found these quite nice looking ones for £290.50 that even include free fitting https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253492694920 but these rather flashy ones at £160.58 + £23.80 shipping seem to be the ones the OP is looking at https://dstonline.co.uk/plus-silver-running-board-side-steps-for-range-rover-vogue-p38a-suv-94-01/ although DST Automotive are selling them cheaper on eBay for £175.58 with free shipping https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325586402386?

Montyjohn · Jul 7, 2023

I am of the view that the P38 has reached a heritage now that anything that's obviously unoriginal cheapens the look of them. So I will be sticking to originals. Mine are also rusting. Even got an advisory for it.
Plan is to take them off before it's too late and see if I can fabricate my own frames for the original mouldings.
I assume this will be straightforward, but haven't looked into how they are held together yet.

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Montyjohn said:
I am of the view that the P38 has reached a heritage now that anything that's obviously unoriginal cheapens the look of them. So I will be sticking to originals. Mine are also rusting. Even got an advisory for it.
Plan is to take them off before it's too late and see if I can fabricate my own frames for the original mouldings.
I assume this will be straightforward, but haven't looked into how they are held together yet.

Agree with the originals but brand new out of my price range and second hand are pricey and not in very good condition from what I've viewed. My set too far gone for repairing.

Montyjohn · Jul 7, 2023

Rubberknees said:
Agree with the originals but brand new out of my price range and second hand are pricey and not in very good condition from what I've viewed. My set too far gone for repairing.

Is the rubber also knackered, or it just corrosion?
If the rubber is in good nick then they should be salvageable. Whatever you do, don't throw the mouldings away.

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Montyjohn said:
Is the rubber also knackered, or it just corrosion?
If the rubber is in good nick then they should be salvageable. Whatever you do, don't throw the mouldings away.

Rubber is perished and split in places

Datatek · Jul 7, 2023

Personally I don't like side steps, we have a small folding plastic stool for folks who struggle to get into the car. Takes no space at all when folded. Low cost and it doesn't rust.

Dippypud · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Personally I don't like side steps, we have a small folding plastic stool for folks who struggle to get into the car. Takes no space at all when folded. Low cost and it doesn't rust.

We had one of those camping types for another LR type ...worked well too ...

Andy Burrell · Jul 7, 2023

We had one of the pop up stools for my mum to get in and out, worked a treat.

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Personally I don't like side steps, we have a small folding plastic stool for folks who struggle to get into the car. Takes no space at all when folded. Low cost and it doesn't rust.

I've got a little step for others but what about me when I'm in the car by myself ? How do I pick it up for storage and deployment?

Datatek · Jul 7, 2023

Rubberknees said:
I've got a little step for others but what about me when I'm in the car by myself ? How do I pick it up for storage and deployment?

Simple, a piece of string in your hand as you climb in, sit down, pull step up, and pop it down the side of the seat ready for exiting the car.

Henry_b · Jul 7, 2023

Put the suspension in access mode

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Simple, a piece of string in your hand as you climb in, sit down, pull step up, and pop it down the side of the seat ready for exiting the car.

Thought of that but leaning over to put down may cause my stomach problems

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Henry_b said:
Put the suspension in access mode

Been doing that but wary in the back of my mind of constant raising and lowering of the bags. Know they were new just before lockdown but hey it is a Land Rover :vb-devil:

doriz · Jul 7, 2023

With the suspension flattened is it still too much of a climb?

Datatek · Jul 7, 2023

Rubberknees said:
Been doing that but wary in the back of my mind of constant raising and lowering of the bags. Know they were new just before lockdown but hey it is a Land Rover

Keep it locked at motorway height. It's the compressor that suffers pumping up from access not the bags. I run both mine locked at motorway height, better ride and it saves the compressor.
No need to bend, just open the stool and lower with aforementioned bit of string

Not as convenient as side steps but a heck of a lot cheaper.

Henry_b · Jul 7, 2023

Rubberknees said:
Been doing that but wary in the back of my mind of constant raising and lowering of the bags. Know they were new just before lockdown but hey it is a Land Rover

The bags go though hell on the read, raising and lowering them slowly does nothing to 'em

But as said the compressor does work harder..

Dippypud · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Simple, a piece of string in your hand as you climb in, sit down, pull step up, and pop it down the side of the seat ready for exiting the car.

^^^^^^^ exactly that ....

Rubberknees · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Keep it locked at motorway height. It's the compressor that suffers pumping up from access not the bags. I run both mine locked at motorway height, better ride and it saves the compressor.
No need to bend, just open the stool and lower with aforementioned bit of string Not as convenient as side steps but a heck of a lot cheaper.

Often do lock at motorway height after following your info about it. Will give the step a try as into saving cash being a Yorkshire man

myfirstl322 · Jul 7, 2023

Datatek said:
Personally I don't like side steps, we have a small folding plastic stool for folks who struggle to get into the car. Takes no space at all when folded. Low cost and it doesn't rust.

Oh well that's just great, clearly not in any way demeaning.

Opinion please

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