XSeries-forum

Hi all
As per title,is there a product or technique out there that will bring my running boards back to their new/non pitted state???( I'm not afraid of using a bit of elbow grease)!!!!
Cheers
John..

Hi John,

Bets yours isn't an 04 plate, that had a different finish from other years, we compared these at a Meet once.

It will be elbow grease and some good cleaners (think some have used alloy wheel cleaners)! And you can get the rubber bungs out to make it easier.

Nah it's a 2005..
Oh we'll time to roll the sleeves up then!!!
Sorry to be naive but what rubber bungs??

Ahhhhh the little grey cells are running a bit slow today!!!
Do you mean the little black grippers are removable??

They are.....should keep you amused for ages, but before you start best get some spares from a Dealer.

A useful tool for getting that info is Realoem.com here.  You need the last 7 characters of your VIN in the 'Serial Number' box, select 'browse parts' and 'pictures drill down' and there are all the part numbers for each area of the car.  Some parallel thinking is sometimes needed to find things, but it's a useful tool and at least you can show a Dealer you are an 'intelligent customer'......

The bits you want are Item #10 here and are apparently called 'naps'......

Richard

Cheers fella most useful..

Dexterity and the size of my paws don't mix when it comes to fiddly jobs :blink:

I know that feeling only too well myself....

Richard

What about autosol and a toothbrush?

I cleaned my boards with Mr Mer wheel cleaner and an alloy wheel brush. Took a bit of scrubbing but came up really well.

i found it seams to be tar like stuff that causes the ruff looking

so i went over mine with tardus and then a scotch brite pad with plenty of water , after about 5 mins of doing each step they were about 90% better , i could go over them again , and i might even take metal polish to them , but for now a massive improvement!

I have a 2005, is there a away of actually removing the aluminium running board ?

[quote="Si"]
I have a 2005, is there a away of actually removing the aluminium running board ?
[/quote]

Yes but then you have to remove the arches first which have the blind rivets in them. And these can only be used once.

Wonder wheels and a sponge/brush will sort em.

As it happens I did this job today.

Firstly I washed them as normal with an all purpose cleaner. Then I removed the bungs/naps. 96 per side,  (having bought half a dozen spares in advance). Prise them out gently with a flat screwdriver. The warm weather has helped to soften them.

I placed them in warm water to soak again with some APC.

Then I set about cleaning the running boards. Firstly with Tardis, then rinse, then apply wonder wheels and leave it for five mins, then agitate it with a cheap non scratch scourer, the re-apply the wonder wheels and leave for five mins. Rinse off, then get started with metal polish (can't remember which one). leave to dry then buff off. Then Poorboys Wheel Sealant. Buff off. Then Collinite 476 wax apply and buff off. 2 coats.

Then back to the bungs. Wash and Rinse.

Replace each one and give a smear of Chemical Guys wheel trim as I replaced each one

Looks brand new. Been meaning to do it for ages. Planning to do it twice a year when I change over summer/winter wheels/tyres.

Approx one hour start to finish for both sides.

Will post pics when I can

Smee