Deflecta-Shield Running Boards?

[Buzznhalfdozn]

I was looking for info on the aluminum brite tread running boards for my dually. I did not see anything in the search fourm. I was wondering about quality and install and fit. They seem to look alot like Dee Zee boards but cant tell from picture. I need to get some running boards on soon because the paint is sure getting alot of chips. The Deflecta-Shields boards appear to have a better price than the Dee Zee boards. Thanks in advance I welcome all input.

George-

 

[JWChessell]

I can't answer your question directly. I have the J&J Enterprises all-stainless boards. The fit is very good; the finish is excellent; the installation is a bear (a lot of work with inadequate instructions)! When you're finished you'll be pleased, but tired. If interested, their website is www.j-jent.com

 

[Buzznhalfdozn]

The J and J boards would be my first choice , they are very nice looking. I wish I could afford them, but they are out of my price range. Thanks for

the reply. George-

 

[Hoefler]

I used Owen's wheel to wheel boards on mine. Good quality and the price was reasonable, I gave around $400 for them

 

[JWChessell]

Regarding the J&J boards and their price, a suggestion is to price shop them at dealers located in the 7 or 8 states that do not have sales tax, then have them shipped direct to you (drop-shipped). I was able to purchase the boards about $200 cheaper from a dealer in Oregon (no sales tax) than I could from J&J (abut 25 miles from my house) even before J&J added sales tax, which would have been an additional 7. 75%. J&J keeps its showroom prices high to encourage customers to buy from dealers rather than from the showroom. After ordering, I picked up the boards in Oregon on a trip. About 3 weeks ago, I had to order a replacement board after I creamed one on a rock, too badly to be straightened. I called the same Oregon dealer, he made the sale, and had the board shipped direct to me from J&J; no sales tax. (I wanted to drive there and pick it up myself, but for some reason that couldn't be arranged. ) Do a google search on "sales tax" and you'll find a website that shows which states do not have sales tax.

 

[RJOL]

Whatever you decide, make sure you get a look at the installation instructions before you buy.



I've installed DeeZee Guardians on both of my CTD's. The price was very reasonable (search the internet) and the installation is pretty straight forward. The brackets mount to the truck body mounts, so that makes them a little easier to install. I did have to drill a couple of the mounting brackets to get the boards as close to level as possible, but this was not a big problem. They make running boards in a lot of different styles and colors, so you just have to pick out what you like. Here's their site if you don't have it...



http://www.deezee.com/rb.htm

 

[Buzznhalfdozn]

Thanks JWChessell, I looked around and found the J and J boards for 720. 00 dollars. The only other time I checked the price they were 1100. 00 dollars

I think I will try to get these for this price but I will have to put them

on myself. I hope I can put these on alright because they sound like they

are very difficult Are there any tips on the installation that would help?

I can't understand why they don't have good instructions. Are there

parts missing from the boxes? Any extra info would be great. Thanks

in advance. George

 

[JWChessell]

Buzzin:



I've purchased five boxes of J&J running boards -- 1 left front, 1 left rear, 2 right fronts, and 1 right rear -- there were never any parts missing from the boxes, and there were always more screws, bolts and nuts than I needed. The instructions for the front boards are adequate -- not wonderful, but adequate. The front boards are not particularly difficult to install, but time-consuming.



ON THE OTHER HAND ... there were NO instructions for the rear boards, and they are difficult AND time-consuming to install, especially if you are not using a lift, but rather are lying under the truck on your back. Also, you have to make two parts -- one for each side.



Also, the right front board I ordered three weeks ago included a light-kit -- 5 amber running lights. One didn't work; turned out a piece was missing inside that grounds the bulb to the board. It wasn't particularly J&J's fault; these are after-market lights that J&J purchases and installs on their boards -- I guess they don't test the lights before they ship the boards -- which as I think about it now IS their fault. Anyhow, I drove over to J&J last Friday and they gave me a new light at no charge, which I'll install. However, I could have purchased one at the local Kragen Auto Pts store for $5. 85, which was probably about a dollar less than what it cost me in fuel to drive there and back, although I managed to run several other errands at the same time.



About 18 months ago I wrote up a detailed set of instructions for the J&J boards, with photos, for another TDR member. They include my suggestions for the tools and other things you'll need, especially if you're going to do the job by yourself. There's also the total number of hours it took me to do the job alone, without a lift. I still have them in my computer, and will be happy to send them to you. You'll need to send me a PM with your e-mail address so I can send these things direct -- they are WAY too long to post on the TDR website, and take a considerable amount of time to send and then load.



You'll be pleased with the boards once they're installed. They fit well and look very nice; they also wear very well and stay bright. But the installation, by one person working alone, is a PAIN! You can also order ss "stoneguards," or "mud-guards," that fit inside the wheelwells -- part # 8000G. My price in Oct. 2003 was $15. 00 for TWO pair.

 

[Buzznhalfdozn]

Thanks JWChessell, I sent you a PM. with my email address. George

 

[JWChessell]

Yes, I've got it. That lengthy post of mine was supposed to be a return PM to you; somehow I hit the wrong button and it ended up in the thread instead of a PM.