I have a 2004 Ram Quad Cab and I was recently given a set of used OEM chrome nerf bars. The brackets are attached, but there are certain bolts and very specific nuts to mount them. They don't mount to the frame - they mount to the body and thats where the particular nuts/bolts come in. I can't find them anywhere and Mopar won't sell them alone. So basically what I'm looking at is buying a set of bolts for $500 or getting an aftermarket set of steps. Does anyone know where I can find a solution? Does anyone know of an aftermarket brand that sells just the brackets and bolts? Any other ideas other than welding or duct tape?
I know little about truck accessories, but I do know what nerf bars are. Most chrome examples I've seen up close (not many) were attached to the frame of the truck. Mounting them to the body sounds OK, if you don't need to drill ANY new holes. The idea of drilling into the truck's sheet metal in any way, would make me rethink the use of those bars. If you drill the holes, you will cut through the galvanizing of the body panels, and rust will start there, eventually. Can the bars' brackets be modified to mount them in another way? A metal shop could perhaps make you new brackets (or weld on to your existing brackets), and you could perhaps choose a new mounting location that does not require special bolts at alland permit you to use more standard fasteners. I worked in such a shop, and made all sorts of weird brackets for people. We could even make them from stainless, or send the steel ones out to be powdercoated for durability. You don't say what the special bolts do, or what makes them so special, but you might try McMaster-Carr. They have just about any fastener you'd ever want. If, however, these bolts are special in that they specifically fit the body of the truck, than you might be out of luck. Honestly, if it's that much of a headache to find an easy alternative to those unattainable mounting bolts, I'd say scrap the bars, and get a new set that mounts the way you want them to, and come with the required hardware. Good luck with your search.
