Running Board Installation

jdvorin697 said:

I am thinking about purchasing running boards for my midnight black base model. I will most likely be buying them from Tim. Problem is, who do I get to install them??? My dealer says he will charge me $180. Is this a fair figure? I live in Northern NJ. Anybody have any other options for me??? Thanks. JD

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Yes - do it yourself! It's been done and doesn't sound particularly hard. Do a search on running boards or installation to find that post.

yeah right!

Aint no way Im doing it myself. Just not handy folks.

You only need to be able to use a socket wrench to install, and it takes a couple of hours. That said, the $180 from the dealer is a bit high, since with a lift and experience they can probably do it in an hour. Is that price from your salesperson or direct from the service people? Go to the service people for the better price.

Acutally, for a dealer, that seems about right.

JD, a second option would be to make some calls to detailing and body shops around town, you might be able to find a better offer.

I guess the question to ask is "do I have more time than money or more money than time?" If you have more time, consider installing them yourself.
Like Ghost mentioned, the tools you need are minimal and installing them is very simple. IMO, understanding the installation manual is much more difficult. There is no drilling and you don't have to take anything apart on the MDX nor is there any wiring involved (unless you have running boards with the lights)... just simple nuts and bolts.
And if you run into any problems installing them, you have this great forum to help.

Oh, one other option/suggestion: seeing that it's not that technical to install, have you thought of just paying someone you know (perhaps a nephew) about $50-$100 to install them.
*You might even be able to get someone to pay you since the MDX is such a nice vehicle to work on.

I guess any garage or street corner gas station mechanic can install the running boards cheaper. Just provide all the parts and installation instruction which you receive from Tim. Have you ever changed a flat tire? There is a similarity here in terms of skill, brute force, tool and common sense Your choice.