The aluminium on my side steps has tarnished resulting in discolouring and "Tiger" like stripes of discolouration appearing all the way through them, has anyone else ahd this problem and if so what's the fix as I've tried various cleaning products and even abrillo pad and it won't shift them!? SHINY BLACK BEAUTY - FL2GS AUTO WITH A FEW OPTIONS...AFTERMARKET (SO FULL!!) ALPACA LEATHER, LEATHER WHEEL, 18" ALLOYS, PHILIPS BRIGHT HEADLAMP BULBS, PRIVACY GLASS, CHROME MIRRORS, CLEAR INDICATORS, THULE ROOF BARS, FL2 STICKER, WHAT TO GET NEXT?

Any photo? Maybe a up close one too showing texture to avoid somebody saying sanding it or something  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Is it anything like this RRSport one?

http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic14490....tep+cement Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

sand it  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Thnaks for the advice but before I sand it I'll take a pic and post! SHINY BLACK BEAUTY - FL2GS AUTO WITH A FEW OPTIONS...AFTERMARKET (SO FULL!!) ALPACA LEATHER, LEATHER WHEEL, 18" ALLOYS, PHILIPS BRIGHT HEADLAMP BULBS, PRIVACY GLASS, CHROME MIRRORS, CLEAR INDICATORS, THULE ROOF BARS, FL2 STICKER, WHAT TO GET NEXT?

find the address of another forum member who has side steps, drive to his house and sneakily swap the steps over ,


If you get caught say that pinky sent you  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

I saw another set of side boards flaking on a FL2 exactly the same as that rangey in my local dealer.

Is it because its painted aluminium do you think ?

But as CG say, when they get really bad id rub them down softly and respray them with better paint.

Sorry to be a bit sarcastic here , but - I can’t really see the point of side steps anyway (unless you have small children), so you could just remove them if discolouration hurts your eyes. They don’t suit the FL2 and reduce ground clearance anyway  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

On-board wrote:

Is it because its painted aluminium do you think ?

I haven't been up close and inspected a side step but I don't think they are painted, they are a brushed alluminium finish aren't they

I have seen awning rails get discoloured/tarnished due to things like bird droppings acid etching them

If they was fitted at PDI they have 3 years warranty on them too, so if thats the case a trip to the dealer might solve it  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

1. Take 'em off
2. List 'em on ebay
3. Take money and spend it on a slap up meal.
4. Live happily ever after

The Doc wrote:

1. Take 'em off
2. List 'em on ebay
3. Take money and spend it on a slap up meal.
4. Live happily ever after

Best bin 'em, nobody will buy 'em anyway  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

AndyC wrote:

Sorry to be a bit sarcastic here , but - I can’t really see the point of side steps anyway (unless you have small children), so you could just remove them if discolouration hurts your eyes. They don’t suit the FL2 and reduce ground clearance anyway

I stand corrected again  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Ha ha yes there making good money hence I decided to push the boat out and get a new set.

But sorry npinks you are right they are brushed aluminium. Turned out its the black paint from the brackets that were on them. Teach me for argueing !

Getting back on topic:
I've just had mine into the dealers for a new sunroof blind and on collection I noticed they'd given it a nice valet. The 2nd thing I noticed was the 'tiger' stripes on the o/s step. I haven't looked closely yet - I just assumed it was an odd effect created by the jet-washer but it seems maybe not? I'll check more closely tomorrow and report back.