Advance running boards installation
 

Finally I installed the running boards. I had them sitting in my garage for quite a bit, because I wasn't able to find the right time to do it.
I couldn't imagine it was so difficult to find a car lift for rent in Houston, but eventually I found a little shop on Craiglist that charged me $60 for 4 hours.

Instructions are pretty accurate and installation is easy. Here I post some pictures just to give a better idea.

I had my brother in law helping me, and I really think he made this job much easier. We were able to finish in 2 hours.

I had to buy a hole saw (DEWALT D180018IR 29mm IMPACT READY Hole Saw, 1-1/8-Inch - Core Drill Bits - Amazon.com) and I was good to go.

This is the bottom left of the RDX, see the undercover you need to remove. Easy.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e618da76d9.jpg




The right undercover

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a4eb6d4ffd.jpg




Let's start using the hole saw. The 1-1/8 inch (29mm) is the closest to the one required for installation (30mm). Worked out perfectly.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...c8ede57967.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...dc72b3a5b3.jpg


My buddy brought a Dremel, and we were able to cut the plastic like butter. It could have been done with snips or scissors.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...74d13a568c.jpg



Smoothing the edges

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...9328a1cef4.jpg




Final result (same for the right undercover)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...32d59fbd8c.jpg





The cut outs once you put the covers back in place

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a0e9c750c6.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...1200376d3f.jpg


What's in the box?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7fcee4bc1b.jpg



Installing the brackets

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...38366b2dfb.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b3ab97b601.jpg



This is the hardest part. At this point we had to lower the car and get out of the lift because the lift arms were on the way and we had no room to place the running boards.
Once we placed the first running board I noticed the black upper cover didn't look even. There were some clips not properly snapped like the one you see on the picture. We had to remove the running board, fix the clips and place the running board back. The right running board had the same issue, but that's an easy fix.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b1019d027e.jpg



Finally I can use my torque wrench (not necessary if you have common sense, but I like to be picky like that).

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...406f39fe84.jpg



Looks parallel and even, good.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...14693bc6e1.jpg


Done! It was raining today and i didn't take good pictures, but I'll post some later this week as soon as I wash the car.
I really, really like the advance running boards. Don't stick much out of the body but once you open the door you can tell its a good step, especially for children. At first I was concerned they would lower the ground clearance of the car but actually the running board/floor distance is still 8 inches and change.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e32a84ccfc.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a6b71379ec.jpg


And that's all folks!

Very nice DIY for the advance running boards. They look really good. In for some more pictures!

Couple of pictures after washing the car

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3cfd1fbb54.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...8236ece502.jpg

It sticks out much less than I thought.

Just needs some roof rails to balance out the look.

Not sure about that...I'll think about it but it would be just for esthetics since I have no use for those. Thank you for your suggestion though!

Only reason why I got them was for "just incase" but now that we have the sub we need to add the crossbars and make it functional. Just having the roof rails doesn't do squat!

Thanks for posting the install. Just received the large boxes yesterday and I'll probably install the running boards on our RDX this weekend. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

Remember to post pictures!

Will do. I also have the splash guards, Curt trailer hitch, and rear bumper applique to install this weekend...

Now if only my wife didn't hit a pole and scratch the front bumper today after I spent 4 hours detailing the RDX last weekend. :annoyed:

That's the reason why I wanted the Advance. Parking sensors.

Yeah, I told her next time we need to get the model with sensors. :tongue: But she didn't want navigation...

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3e15ca4467.jpg

Heres my white with running boards. I like the advanced package coz of the wheels. i just installed them at home on the ground.