JEBINC’s “Welting Mod,” for the EV Sportline / 1EV Running Boards – “Oh Yeah!”

[jebinc]

Hello again, my fellow “Riviarians”! As mentioned in my review (Tip #2) of subject Running boards …

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...aling-of-4”-hole-procedure.13403/#post-298630

I was contemplating the use of solid EPDM rubber or solid core marine grade vinyl bead-welting for use around the outer edge (between the tread plate and tread tubular frame) of my running boards. Why, you ask? Well, for several reasons….

1) Uniqueness/differentiation; I’m going with either Compass Yellow, Body color, or Black – for a more OEM-like, finished aesthetic. SOMEONE PLEASE Photoshop
and REPOST my pictures to show the bead in all body colors, including Compass Yellow!!!!

2) Personal preference, but I prefer there not being a raised sharp tread plate edge for the following reasons (YOMV, of course) {Where; “O” = Opinion}
a) Smaller children injuring themselves (cuts/bruising when crawling up onto the boards and into the truck) - Yeah, I have a scar on my knee from a similar young childhood mishap…
b) Powder coat paint scraping off that raised sharp edge with use (especially with dirty/sandy sneakers/boots or other footwear) over time – rust forming, etc.

3) Tread Plate cushioning – Again, personal preference, but I prefer a no “metal-on-metal” contact, when it comes to mechanically fastened plates (vs. welded). This will reduce the likelihood of paint wear-through over time, noise, etc... Also, with summer heat / winter cold, the plates and tubing will expand and contract at different rates - and in different directions. And no, I do not have any concerns with this bead welting/gasket trapping water or grime, any more than the “as designed and delivered” product. Again, YOMV.

This is really easy to install; just loosen the tread plate hardware, insert and apply pressure to the welding as you slowly tighten the tread plate hardware – work from one end to the other to ensure a proper fit and seal!

I tried two sizes; 3/16” bead and 1/8” bead and felt the 3/16” diameter bead to be best as its bead height is “slightly higher” than the top of the tread plate, thereby protecting that edge (and small children’s knees/shins)!

So, what do you think? “Nope” or “Dope”?

Black, Compass Yellow to match other exterior trim highlights, or something close to body color? Please vote in thread poll!

Links to bead-welting like products that I used / tried / plan to try…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303642691725?var=602883985231

https://www.elitegaragefloors.com/finishline-bead-end-rubber-seal-4-wide-by-the-foot/

https://www.elitegaragefloors.com/bead-end-vinyl-weather-seal-3-by-the-foot/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/221946354279?hash=item33ad089a67&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAA8LyYLu4ChBxPTeKxUSHK5O8TGUzgYo3BSM%2BMvO1r9QZV0jBrbVMUozgb4ShXg1tHX8rxknfiv89qQsBBjzj7LqtSgsmAjHxAg3ViYS%2FqVT7%2Fj73LltO22pBOej9%2B8jUKBDDI0Pgx0HEQHIMp%2BmhSsyH0A7HGnx7ISH3IuOZL2RhP19sOZyh%2Fb0ZqVyS5cz5SXYQAcYwL7oZyIlo%2Ba1nGaQkn%2BpDYUW0E5%2FiAkmhDYEBOhsCOpPxUYvA%2BL8OgPHaEqawyOkDyHTi656Wo1ie68W1%2F1GNJqhkJGaG25De0CFJhQGowfR3VQR6ewUKUpq541w%3D%3D|ampidL_CLK

Yes, what I first ordered and tried was garage door weather-stripping! Why? Because I save money by splitting it in two, and using both sides as welting, of course! Also, because I was able to get this in two days for my experimentation. For the final build, should I go with Compass Yellow or Body Color highlights, I will go with color coordinated single bead extrusion (Vinyl or EPDM rubber, depending). At 3/16”, there are MANY colors available from several sources, BTW. Not so for the 1/8” as I’ve found that only in black or gray.

“As always… Stay Angry about Running Boards (Space)!” – The Angry Astronaut (YT Channel). https://www.youtube.com/@TheAngryAstronaut

More seriously, any and all questions are welcome!

@EV Sportline

John

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[Belem]

Neat idea and I think super cool. How many yards do you think would cover both running boards?

And I think Compass Yellow would be an interesting contrast.

 

[jebinc]

Neat idea and I think super cool. How many yards do you think would cover both running boards?

And I think Compass Yellow would be an interesting contrast.

About 8' per side.

Edited to 8' per side, with some extra to spare.

 

[jebinc]

Figure 20-30 minutes to do both sides. I only loosened the outer tread plate bolts on my installed set. No need to remove the plate or touch that inner bolts.

 

[jebinc]

So, who’s going to do it, if and when you receive running boards?!

 

[Belem]

I'll give it a go, both when I receive my truck and my rock sliders.

I'm all about low-cost quality-of-life mods that are interesting.

 

[jebinc]

I'll give it a go, both when I receive my truck and my rock sliders.

I'm all about low-cost quality-of-life mods that are interesting.

What color? It looks like you forgot the register your vote in the scientific poll above?!

 

[Belem]

Sorry! Just voted and I'm going to try yellow. Found some in eBay and it was ~$13.00 with shipping, so

 

[jebinc]

Sorry! Just voted and I'm going to try yellow. Found some in eBay and it was ~$13.00 with shipping, so

Say what!? I just spent $40 for this stuff! Looks pretty close to CY
Link to yours?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2219463542...ymqs9V8Q32&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Belem]

I may have made a mistake but we'll see if it works: https://www.ebay.com/itm/192087678066


It says it's for upholstery, but it's PVC. If it doesn't work, it's just $13 down the drain.

And here's the color:

 

[jebinc]

I may have made a mistake but we'll see if it works: https://www.ebay.com/itm/192087678066


It says it's for upholstery, but it's PVC. If it doesn't work, it's just $13 down the drain.

And here's the color:

If the bead were not hollow…. Anyway, it’s cheap to see if you like the color! Material wise, mine are weather proof grade garage door vinyl and rubber… I believe the 3/16” were vinyl, but feels like rubber. 1/8” is too small to protect that sharp edge. Unprotected, I can easily see the paint being scrubbed off.

 

[Belem]

Yeah, I realized my mistep after I ordered. C'est la vie.

 

[jebinc]

If the bead were not hollow…. Anyway, it’s cheap to see if you like the color! Material wise, mine are weather proof grade garage door vinyl and rubber… I believe the 3/16” were vinyl, but feels like rubber. 1/8” is too small to protect that sharp edge. Unprotected, I can easily see the paint being scrubbed off.

Okay, I ordered six yards of your stuff to see which is a closer match to CT accents.

 

[Desiboy]

Yellow, when I get my sliders, which will probably be in May.

 

[jebinc]

Yellow, when I get my sliders, which will probably be in May.

Are the tread plates on the sliders bolted on, or welded? I thought the slider prototype in the main thread showed a welded plate?

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