Peeling Paint on Drivers Step: Paint or replace?

[randocommando-FRF]

The paint on the driver's side entry step is peeling off of my 2015 Force 37BH. Has anybody replaced these? I haven't taken all the measurements yet, but a quick Google search found an M2 replacement for $50. Wish I could find a nice stainless steel one! Seems easier and probably cheaper to replace than haul it to a body shop. Would replace the passenger side too I guess for visual symmetry.

https://www.raneystruckparts.com/freightliner-m2-replacement-step-22-52437-004/


Thanks to all that respond!!

 

[halla]

on our 2016 Force we had them powdercoated, so when I got our 2018 Force HD, I ordered new metal steps, and had them powdercoated. they remove pretty easy and powdercoating can be done in a lot of colors.

 

[spicercars]

Looks like the new steps come in primer? So you might have them painted or powder coated.

 

[vansteenburg]

If you have the time, get them media blasted and powder coated to match or be very close to the current color.

Powder coat will hold up better to the traffic.

Another option in black would be a sanded bed liner, ie rhinoliner application to make them less slippery.

 

[bclemens]

Agree with above...with all of the crud on the bottom of shoes, especially at gas stations, paint will never hold.

We changed over to "polished, stainless" step treads now. They are not cheap, but better than the paint steps we got from Freightliner.

I also noticed that they used to paint them gray, but now the steps are black. I am told it is because the black paint holds up better than colors.

 

[PenJoe]

Just me, but I would remove the steps, strip the paint, apply a rust neutralizer such as Ospho, then give them a coat of bed liner paint. The rust neutralizer will stop future rust. Replace the bolts with US SS bolts and nuts.

The one concern about stainless steel is that they will look good for a while. However, if Chinese stainless is used, it generally doesn't hold up, will discolor and rust. A magnet test will tell you if it is quality stainless.

 

[FleckDreher]

In the presence of Chlorides (road salt) even austenitic stainless steel (non-magnetic) will show red rust streaking.

It will clean off with polishing or rubbing compound.

 

[hobienick-FRF]

316 SS is used on boats in saltwater. It is polished and lasts a long time. If it is not polished it will begin to developed a light layer of surface rust.

 

[randocommando-FRF]

Thank you all for your help! It never ceases to amaze me that most of the problems or wear/tear items I have experienced have since been improved upon by the Dynamax team led by Mr. Clemens. Product keeps getting better. Easiest thing to do is probably paint them with a bedliner paint. Does anybody have a link to some nice stainless steel ones though?

Thanks!!

 

[shultz01]

I have a set of black powder coated ones in good shape from our 2018.
You can have them. Where are you located? If we are close we could meet up.
If not we could arrange shipping.