DIY - Roof Rails & Running Boards
#1
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
DIY - Roof Rails & Running Boards
OK... this is not a DIY for these items yet but am ordering these tomorrow. Just the standard roof rails and the boards that stick out at the rear doors.
I've seen the advance boards install and it looks pretty straight forward..I've done the boards install on the 1st gen RDX so I'm quite familiar with the brackets and all that.
The roof rails look a bit complex with all the cutting and stuff...
soooo.... who's done both? level of difficulty?
I've seen the advance boards install and it looks pretty straight forward..I've done the boards install on the 1st gen RDX so I'm quite familiar with the brackets and all that.
The roof rails look a bit complex with all the cutting and stuff...
soooo.... who's done both? level of difficulty?
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Acura_Bunny (04-24-2020)
#5
Drifting
FYI: The shears are only good on soft rubber moldings. Hard plastic moldings are best cut with an air saw or cut off wheel. Although, instructions say not to use shears or cut off wheels. Duf!
#6
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
both items are on order with expected arrival late this week.
I will purchase the necessary tools to do the install myself.
dremel and some sort of cutting tool/ saw.
I will purchase the necessary tools to do the install myself.
dremel and some sort of cutting tool/ saw.
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#8
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
I took a chance and purchased after market / OEM style boards and roof rails.
Being in Canada, we get gouged ! but I found these on eBAY for $330cdn each shipped from Toronto.
The seller has guaranteed them to be identical to OEM quality and fitment.
That being said, I asked an Acura dealership on installation costs here in Vancouver BC Canada:
roof rails: $196cdn
Step boards: $116cdn
so I may opt for them to do the boards but i'll do the rack as DIY.
2013 2014 2015 Acura RDX NEW Roof Rack Rails Luggage Rack KIT | eBay
Running Boards Nerf Bars Side Step Sets FOR Acura RDX 2013 2014 2015 | eBay
Being in Canada, we get gouged ! but I found these on eBAY for $330cdn each shipped from Toronto.
The seller has guaranteed them to be identical to OEM quality and fitment.
That being said, I asked an Acura dealership on installation costs here in Vancouver BC Canada:
roof rails: $196cdn
Step boards: $116cdn
so I may opt for them to do the boards but i'll do the rack as DIY.
2013 2014 2015 Acura RDX NEW Roof Rack Rails Luggage Rack KIT | eBay
Running Boards Nerf Bars Side Step Sets FOR Acura RDX 2013 2014 2015 | eBay
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FabRDX (10-20-2015)
#9
The Original Shawdy
I wouldn't be surprised if the dealer turns you down on installing those running boards because they are aftermarket and because they weren't purchased through them. They don't want to be liable if something was to fail not being oem. Let us know how the quality is and how the install goes. Installation should be similar.
#10
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
^^ hard to say... as I recall my 2008 RDX, I had purchased OEM parts from Curry Acura and had NorthSHore Acura in Vancouver install them...but when I get shipment I will compare it to the installation guide to ensure that I get all parts needed to do the install... worst case, i'll crazy glue them to the sides of the car.
#12
I didn't do my own installation, but the running board attachment part looks different from OEM Acura sport running boards. Can someone who's more familiar chime in? Is the Honda CRV running board the same as RDX's sport running board? Will the roof rails and sport running boards come with all parts required for a proper install?
Hope everything turns out great and you can save a pretty penny, but I wouldn't risk ordering from them. Best of luck.
#14
The Original Shawdy
Sounds like crazy glue and duct tape are your friends in this install. Lol. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just less durable and not oem.
#16
got items...looks pretty legit... tonight I'll be doing an inventory of the bolts/washers/connectors and make sure they match up with the ACURA list of included items.
will also pickup the appropriate hole saw, reciprocating saw to do the cutting.
INSTALLATION PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND ! ! !
will also pickup the appropriate hole saw, reciprocating saw to do the cutting.
INSTALLATION PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND ! ! !
#17
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
#18
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
done...and confirmed...these so called OEM look-a-likes fit exactly as OEM.
I've only done the roof rails...and it was frickin' pain in the ass. key is to measure twice, cut once ! ! !
the only issue I had was one of the bolts could not be lined up and thus was not screwing in... other than that, took me a good 4hrs. definitely wear eye goggles when cutting!
I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with the running boards OR sell them... the rails add a good look to the car for aesthetics, the sport boards are kind of odd as they only jet out for the rear passengers. i'll think about it...for now I'm exhausted.
I've only done the roof rails...and it was frickin' pain in the ass. key is to measure twice, cut once ! ! !
the only issue I had was one of the bolts could not be lined up and thus was not screwing in... other than that, took me a good 4hrs. definitely wear eye goggles when cutting!
I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with the running boards OR sell them... the rails add a good look to the car for aesthetics, the sport boards are kind of odd as they only jet out for the rear passengers. i'll think about it...for now I'm exhausted.
#19
Looks great, and will add value when your sell the car or trade it in. I had to play with the two cut pieces of molding that go between the three "legs" of the rail. They were a hair too long and I took off 1/16th on an inch all around. The rubber gaskets were plenty long enough to cover any gaps on the trim pieces.
#20
done...and confirmed...these so called OEM look-a-likes fit exactly as OEM.
I've only done the roof rails...and it was frickin' pain in the ass. key is to measure twice, cut once ! ! !
I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with the running boards OR sell them... the rails add a good look to the car for aesthetics, the sport boards are kind of odd as they only jet out for the rear passengers. i'll think about it...for now I'm exhausted.
I've only done the roof rails...and it was frickin' pain in the ass. key is to measure twice, cut once ! ! !
I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with the running boards OR sell them... the rails add a good look to the car for aesthetics, the sport boards are kind of odd as they only jet out for the rear passengers. i'll think about it...for now I'm exhausted.
I like that the running boards are only functional on the rear. The RDX sits low enough to the ground that no adult should ever need to step on it. I've tried getting in and out of the rear seats, and the back part of your pants will brush up on the running board if you're not careful. Kids in the rear seats will definitely find the additional step useful to get in and out of the car. Plus, the sport actually gives it a "sportier" look. The advance running boards make the RDX look like it's made for old folks.
#22
2021 RDX A SPEC
Thread Starter
oh well... 1 for 2.
the running boards do not fit. the rear bracket supplied has no 'holes' to line up to underneath the vehicle. BUT... in any case, at least my under coverings are now pre-drilled and pre-cut for when I do find a good deal on an OEM set.
...and wow, there's a lot of clearance underneath...I could get completely under it without lifting the vehicle!
The rear brackets pictured (long ones) do not fit the north American RDX. the front ones did fit. I took the cover off again to see if there were any other holes for it to line up with but nothing there in the rear.
the running boards do not fit. the rear bracket supplied has no 'holes' to line up to underneath the vehicle. BUT... in any case, at least my under coverings are now pre-drilled and pre-cut for when I do find a good deal on an OEM set.
...and wow, there's a lot of clearance underneath...I could get completely under it without lifting the vehicle!
The rear brackets pictured (long ones) do not fit the north American RDX. the front ones did fit. I took the cover off again to see if there were any other holes for it to line up with but nothing there in the rear.
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yesrdx (11-01-2015)
#23
Drifting
FYI
The OEM RB use the same mounting brackets for the Front and the rear.
You might want to contact the manufacture or the supplier to tell them they sent the wrong mounting kit for your vehicle. Specifically, the wrong rear brackets. Tell them to send two more front brackets, one for each side.
And if it works, then tell them to update their catalog. It's a Win-win for the both of you.
2007 RDX
The OEM RB use the same mounting brackets for the Front and the rear.
You might want to contact the manufacture or the supplier to tell them they sent the wrong mounting kit for your vehicle. Specifically, the wrong rear brackets. Tell them to send two more front brackets, one for each side.
And if it works, then tell them to update their catalog. It's a Win-win for the both of you.
2007 RDX
#24
Thanks for the write-up! Hopefully other members will do a search and find this useful before placing an order off eBay.
#26
I just started installing the rails on my 2016 RDX. I'm having trouble with the first step... removing the plastic moulding cover. Is there a trick to getting them off? Having the tailgate open "halfway" doesn't seem to help, since the cover still hits the tailgate when pried up.
Any advice?
Any advice?
#27
That is the key. Tailgate partially up and pry up with a plastic trim tool. Get an inexpensive set at Harbor Freight. It is just pressed into a couple of clips. Once started, you can close the hatch and pry from the side.
#28
Took some finagling, but that did the trick. Thanks!
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