A side step tube with a dual purpose. Step + Side protector reducing dings in parking lots.

The idea is simple but will it look aesthetically pleasing? Your opinions please. Thanks.

#1 http://i48.tinypic.com/21476mr.jpg

Standard side step bar comes straight out.

#2 http://i49.tinypic.com/ac4b60.jpg

What if it angled up?

#3 http://i45.tinypic.com/2dwgmf5.jpg

Then the angle up bars might look bad, so they can be color matched to the 4Runner. The straight bar it self will be chromed.

#4 http://i50.tinypic.com/fyzdj.jpg

Extending the step passed the supports

#5 http://i47.tinypic.com/zilndf.jpg

Extending the step passed the supports with color matched

Do you like the idea? Is it too high to be useful?

 

I like #2 in black.

 

Just get some actual slider installed. No way a door or shopping cart will do anything to those.

 

really?

 

??? My sliders don't protrude out that much (should've gotten them made a bit further out in hindsight), but it's still prevented several door dings already (on my Tacoma, that is, and unfortunately, not for my other car in the garage ). And many people use sliders as a step, and even put grip tape on top to help with traction. I think it would be much wiser to get sliders instead of wasting money on tube steps that would rip off at the slightest impact of rocks, curbs, etc. And those photos rocket posted....well, says it all. They look great.

Here is a good example of sliders doubling as a step.


Lastly, how do sliders get in the way of entry? Are we talking about the same thing here? Are you referring to a full-on cage or something?

 

That's "exactly" the look that I wanted above. I was worried about the weight of the rock slider bars (heavier material) compared to a (light weight) step bar. The sliders looks about 75 lbs each side. If they were light weight they would be perfect just the way it is in the above photo. My 4x2 4Runner won't be seeing any rocks or curbs.