Adding Power Running Boards to Non-Factory Equipped Model

[THE YETI]

I thought the GM boards are made by AMP Research?

I'm not so sure about that. They look much different.

 

[baggedlvintegra]

So some major break throughs on this project have occured. My thread on www.the12volt.com has generated extensive discussion, to the point that a lead engineer for a small electronics company (www.kptechnologies.com) specializing in niche auto electronic components (such as nav bypass modules, aftermarket starter kill switches / remote start, etc.) has personally contacted me and together we have compiled a schematic to make these power running boards operate with OEM functionality for a very small cost (comparitively).

He has begun designing a prototype controller module for me and is doing so at his parts cost / no labor for us to work out all the minor details and get this perfected. He obviously knows his stuff and is bundeling all the relays, swtiches, potentiometers into an enclosed "module" capable of controlling the steps and has adjustable "power supply timing" that allows perfect tweaking of the time for step retract/extend, not only to get it right and work like factory but for years down the road if the motors start to degrade and open slower you could turn up the timing to make for full operation again.

He has informed me if I was able to gauge interest in the 20 qty range he could begin actual production on the module as a substaintually lower alternative to anything I've reasearched to date. Obviously it would be difficult for 20 people to sign up and that is not what is being requested, but if the interest is there this has great potential for everybody who wants the OEM powered running boards. I made him aware that most importantly peoples interest would be contigent upon them actually finding used take off running boards.

Once I have everything installed, functioning properly and have adequate time to test the controllers I will attempt to work with the moderators to get a sticky thread going with all the details of the retrofit and try to get an interest list going.

 

[Modded]

I'm not so sure about that. They look much different.

Oh ok. I thought the boards were contracted out.

---------- Post added at 12:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------

So some major break throughs on this project have occured. My thread on www.the12volt.com has generated extensive discussion, to the point that a lead engineer for a small electronics company (www.kptechnologies.com) specializing in niche auto electronic components (such as nav bypass modules, aftermarket starter kill switches / remote start, etc.) has personally contacted me and together we have compiled a schematic to make these power running boards operate with OEM functionality for a very small cost (comparitively).

He has begun designing a prototype controller module for me and is doing so at his parts cost / no labor for us to work out all the minor details and get this perfected. He obviously knows his stuff and is bundeling all the relays, swtiches, potentiometers into an enclosed "module" capable of controlling the steps and has adjustable "power supply timing" that allows perfect tweaking of the time for step retract/extend, not only to get it right and work like factory but for years down the road if the motors start to degrade and open slower you could turn up the timing to make for full operation again.

He has informed me if I was able to gauge interest in the 20 qty range he could begin actual production on the module as a substaintually lower alternative to anything I've reasearched to date. Obviously it would be difficult for 20 people to sign up and that is not what is being requested, but if the interest is there this has great potential for everybody who wants the OEM powered running boards. I made him aware that most importantly peoples interest would be contigent upon them actually finding used take off running boards.

Once I have everything installed, functioning properly and have adequate time to test the controllers I will attempt to work with the moderators to get a sticky thread going with all the details of the retrofit and try to get an interest list going.

The post in this thread are too long to read.
What exactly is the issue here?
Did you buy AMP steps and they did not provide the materials needed to install it or something?

 

[baggedlvintegra]

Oh ok. I thought the boards were contracted out.

---------- Post added at 12:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------



The post in this thread are too long to read.
What exactly is the issue here?
Did you buy AMP steps and they did not provide the materials needed to install it or something?

I bought OEM powered running boards w/ motors.

The onboard computer controls the motors when factory equipped. If the vehicle cam from the factory without power running boards the computer doesn't know to control them, and cannot be programmed to do so.

Subsequently I am having some modules/controllers designed to control the board motors just like the factory computer does

Is this a DirectTV commercial? MORE BOILS

 

[Modded]

Ok I get it now.
Maybe you should have scooped the AMP model instead. You could always sell the GM ones and put $$$$ down on a different model to save yourself the hassle.

 

[baggedlvintegra]

Ok I get it now.
Maybe you should have scooped the AMP model instead. You could always sell the GM ones and put $$$$ down on a different model to save yourself the hassle.

I want the finished look of the OEM boards. When you remove the fixed boards on these NNBS it looks terrible as the front and back bumper body lines hang way lower than the sides. The OEM power steps fill this void and make the body lines level with a clean tucked look.....the AMP steps fold up under the body so it still leaves the ugly body lines on the side, plus they are about twice the price of what I have into these.

It's not as big a hassle for me because I'm good with making things works when most won't look into enough to figure it out, which is why I usually save lots of money with mods. Plus once I figure this out all can benifit from my research and I'll help the forum members upgrade to OEM power boards where before it was never possible.

 

[Modded]

Ok I understand! I also like to make things work.
You're a good member for trying to resolve the issue so others can benefit.
I was completely unaware the AMP steps folded under.
So when you get the new boards on, are you going to paint the black parts WTC?

 

[Modded]

I think it would be clean like the one attached:

 

[baggedlvintegra]

I think it would be clean like the one attached:

That is what I have been debating. The only thing that scares me is how much action these things get with foot traffic, rocks, road grime etc. I don't want to get them painted and then it get all chipped up and look like garbage! I love the look, this little clone of mine keeps me wanting more lol

 

[CYKBC]

I think it would be clean like the one attached:

gotta respect bagged's tenacity. nice.

i actually really like the look of these since it makes the car look even lower. they act like typical side skirts. if you're a modded ride, might as well further differentiate yourself in pleasing ways instead of doing a ton of work for... a factory look.

for my range rover, the factory side skirts are popular with the modded crowd for the very same reason stated above.

either way gl

 

[baggedlvintegra]

One thing I considered instead of doing the whole board (more prone to paint damage) was using my Plastidip Pearl I've been doing and just do the chrome piece of the step and the rest black? Basically like a reverse of the picture above. That piece wouldn't be as prone to as much damage I don't think but it would also still have a custom look to it

 

[THE YETI]

I think it would be clean like the one attached:

Off-topic, but that is effing SICK!!!

 

[Modded]

That is what I have been debating. The only thing that scares me is how much action these things get with foot traffic, rocks, road grime etc. I don't want to get them painted and then it get all chipped up and look like garbage! I love the look, this little clone of mine keeps me wanting more lol

Yeah there is not much you can do to dodge minor chips, bt you should not have many if the clear coat is thick because the power boards are a bit protected by the fenders. You could also put some 3M clear paint protection film on the first 1/4 of the board to ensure there will be no chips.
Also, you could just paint the side parts and leave the actual steps black. That way, there will be no scuffs from passengers.

gotta respect bagged's tenacity. nice.

i actually really like the look of these since it makes the car look even lower. they act like typical side skirts. if you're a modded ride, might as well further differentiate yourself in pleasing ways instead of doing a ton of work for... a factory look.

for my range rover, the factory side skirts are popular with the modded crowd for the very same reason stated above.

either way gl

Yes it is noce and does make the car look lower. Makes me want some.

One thing I considered instead of doing the whole board (more prone to paint damage) was using my Plastidip Pearl I've been doing and just do the chrome piece of the step and the rest black? Basically like a reverse of the picture above. That piece wouldn't be as prone to as much damage I don't think but it would also still have a custom look to it

Don't do that! It will not look good at all. It would remind of that guys white tricoat Denali on here that he went and put black trim parts on and succeeded only in making it look like ass.

Off-topic, but that is effing SICK!!!

It sure is! That's why I had to save it when I stumbled on it a long time ago.

 

[baggedlvintegra]

It would remind of that guys white tricoat Denali on here that he went and put black trim parts on and succeeded only in making it look like ass.

EPIC quote lol

 

[Modded]

EPIC quote lol

Worst part about it is he was warned by me and a few others before he did it. He can thank whatever he prays to that it was PlastiDip job, or the value of his Denali would be less than the below Escalade after doing that.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Navi...7560454?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2325c59286
I won't lie, the paint is done right. And I like the pearl in it. If I had a wife and the $, I would buy her that (without the wheels) if she was good.

 

[Fearz]

Worst part about it is he was warned by me and a few others before he did it. He can thank whatever he prays to that it was PlastiDip job, or the value of his Denali would be less than the below Escalade after doing that.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Navi...7560454?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2325c59286
I won't lie, the paint is done right. And I like the pearl in it. If I had a wife and the $, I would buy her that (without the wheels) if she was good.

This Guy ^ lol

I would drive that ESKY just the way it is.
lol

 

[baggedlvintegra]

ITS ALIVE!!!

short vid of the first time operation, works like a charm!!! more to follow once I finish everything up

 

[Regency]

Congrats!

 

[Fearz]

Whooooooooo. Can you set them to stay up or down?

 

[yates ™]

Good job on getting this to work.