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Will 2006 1st gen nerf bars/steps fit a 2013 2nd gen Av?

TXBlackDiamond

SM 2007
SM 2006
Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2006
Messages
1,531
Location
Houston, TX (formerly NC)
My 2006 Z71 Av has nice chrome OEM step bars, with the ends facing down, which I really like. You can see them in the pic.

However, the 2013 I bought has the black factory steps that don't do much for me. Some Av owners have installed the silver/black steps from the Z71 model.

Will the 2006 nerf bars/steps fit my 2013? Are the bolt holes and mounting brackets in the same place?  Has anyone done this that can share pics?

Thank you,

Tom

 

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I don't know if the bars will fit directly without some mods to brackets and possible gaps etc. From what I have read the frames of first gen are different from second gen AVs. The bars from a second gen AV have trim panels which are nice at filling in the gap between bars and body.
here is a shot of the bars on my second gen Z71 and you can see the black trim pieces too.
 

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Comparing the two types of boards I like the second gen bars better since they give you more pad to step on and have good traction when wet or icy. Their size and placement with the black trim seems to keep the side of the AV cleaner v. first gen step bars.
 
Thank you for the pics Vaeagleav,

Attaching a pic of some aftermarket chrome bars on a second gen.

Who actually makes the first generation and second generation nerf bars/steps for GM?

I am also wondering if the black shields are available separately.

Tom
 

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Sorry I don't have photos of underneath the AV.  Maybe someone will have an exploded diagram of how the second gen board and trim mounts.
I have mobility issues and it's raining here now so I can't go out and crawl under the AV.
I did find the large scale photo of the boards and have tried zooming in on the trim and boards. As i remembered they seem to work together since the ends of the boards turn into the trim and fit in a hole. I assume if the boards you want to use don't curve inward there would be a hole left in the trim.
(click on photo to see it enlarged.)
 

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I took off one of the boards and put on a nerf bar that fits the same mount points...only one done thus far.  The other side still has the step.  Unlike yours, you can see that there is some gap on each end.  Attached is a pic, so you can see the size difference between the black plastic step below it on the ground. It is definitely wider, but I prefer the look of chrome/stainless/polished over black plastic.

I thought that maybe the black plastic step I took off could be modded and pieces of it reused as a backdrop.  However, most of it seems to be just one piece. It was mounted with four "J" hooks, each with four bolts, plus one more bolt for the front piece.. Taking it off was a bit awkward and I had to rehang the back because the front wouldn't let go...finally realized it was because someone had screwed the mudflap into it.  Once I had removed that screw the whole thing fell off.

Your Av seems to have some different pieces of black plastic that cover the ends of the "horns" on your nerf bars, plus some plastic shields that sit behind it.  What I am wondering is how those black plastic pieces are mounted and whether they are available separately.  If so, maybe they might fit the nerf bar I put on.

When it stops raining where you are, could you please take some pics of those pieces showing how the black plastic pieces attach to the back of your nerf bars and fit over the bar ends?

Thank you,

Tom

 

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After doing a Google search I found this parts diagram and parts numbers for the parts to a Z71 Step bar setup including the black trim pieces. As far as mounting it all I suggest you give them or your local dealer a call with the parts numbers for an exact fit:

https://www.oemgmpartscenter.com/a/Chevrolet__Avalanche/48194969__6017307/PILLARS-ROCKER--FLOOR-RUNNING-BOARD-TUBULAR-STEP-BOARD/GK07585.html
 
Vaeagleav said:
I don't know if the bars will fit directly without some mods to brackets and possible gaps etc. From what I have read the frames of first gen are different from second gen AVs. The bars from a second gen AV have trim panels which are nice at filling in the gap between bars and body.
here is a shot of the bars on my second gen Z71 and you can see the black trim pieces too.

Hi VAeagleav. I am trying to see the bottom of the rear flare from the rear quarter view in your second pic...

index.php

I am especially the little charcoal colored plastic piece attached to it. The lady at GM parts can't find it in anything, so I would like to be able to send her some clear pictures of what it looks like.

Thanks,

Tom
 
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