I ordered an 04 FX4 with option 18B bright tubular running boards. Rumor has it, the ones I really want are dealer installed, not factory. Can you tell me if my ordered parts will look like the ones green21 has on his truck? They are round chrome tubes with rubber surfaces just where you step. These were the ones mentioned as late availability??
Any actual pics would be appreciated.
Also a big thanks for all your help to us.

 

You can see the 18B bright tubular step bars in my gallery.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3251

They are NOT round, but oval. I really like them esp. compared to the black ones on our '99 Expedition. I think they look good on the Lariat...

 

I love these new running boards, the low profile especially.

Why does Ford continue to call the bright tubular when these are less shiny that the other ones and a completely different shape??

 

Because you can get these same running boards in black. These are brighter than black and are not "boards" but tubular. The chrome tubes are no longer available as a factory option.

 

97Cobraguy...the Ford accessory chrome step bars you want (like on Green21's rig) are part no. 4L3Z-16450-MAA (for the Screw...the last 3 letters change for OTHER cab configurations). I'm with you, I preferred the accessory bars over the 18B factory installed "boards".

 

Curmugeon, I had the dealer cancel the factory order for the polished boards and had him order the dealer installed round tubes like green21. They will be at the dealer in a week. Also by eliminating the factory polished tubes, I got a vin quicker. The downside will be having to wait an extra day for them to install them when the receive my truck. Also, for anyone getting the polished tubes, keep them polished if you are in areas that salt the roads in the winter.

 

Are you saying the polished tubular steps from the factory require more maintenance that the one's your getting installed?

Thanks,
Jon

 

I live in PA and the highways get a lot of salt and cinders in the winter. This will attack the metal which is chrome plated and will eventually pit them. Once the chrome is penetrated, the metal will corrode. Also typical driving could cause stones to chip away at them as well.

It would help to keep a good application of clear sealant on the underside and chrome polish on top to slow this process down. For what these great trucks cost, I plan on keeping it for quite some time.

My current 97 F150 has a fiberglass running board, which is not affected by the corrosion, but doesn't have the appeal of the chrome tube type.

 

I believe the factory bright running boards are aluminum.