I recently picked up a ’21 G63 and have slowly started making a few custom touches. The truck has a “stormtrooper” look—Diamond White (799 - G manufaktur diamond white bright) with AMG Night Package black accents. The previous owner had wrapped the side steps in gloss black vinyl, but it was starting to show its age, so I decided to refresh the look.

After some research, I landed on the Sliplo blackout kit. The older version of the kit came in two half-pieces, but the updated version now comes as a single, full-length wrap for each side. Installation was straightforward—just a matter of removing the rubber gaskets, cleaning the application area with soap and water, then wiping it down with 70% isopropyl alcohol. I dried the surface with a lint-free microfiber cloth before fitting the kit underneath the gaskets.

The adhesive had plenty of give, so if I placed it slightly off, it was easy to reposition without any issues. Once everything was lined up, I used a heat gun to ensure it was properly bonded and left it to cure for 24 hours. I handled the install myself with no problems and would rate the process a solid 4/5 in terms of difficulty.

For anyone looking for a clean, reversible way to black out their side steps, I’d definitely recommend the Sliplo kit.

 

That look nice...

 

I see you took the plastic end caps off (which I assume you are referring to as the rubber gaskets), but you left the rubber tread pieces in place, correct? I assume each strip of vinyl is individual, and you place them between each of the rubber tread pieces, correct? The kit is not just one piece of vinyl that lays over the chrome as well as the rubber treads, correct? How long did it take you to complete both sides?

Thanks for posting the write up. Always fun to see people posting their DIY stuff.

 

Looks great and a perfect solution. Thanks for the information.

 

Looks great and thanks for sharing. What treatment did your exhaust tips get to be blacked out?

 

I am debating between doing this or buying the replacement running boards from Ebay that one of the members here used and installed from China that they were happy about. For Around $800-$850.

 

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Apologies for the earlier terminology mix-up. I removed the end caps along with the innermost rubber tread (gasket), then placed the vinyl strips between each tread. Once the vinyl was in position, I overlapped the tread above it for a cleaner finish. It’s done with multiple vinyl pieces rather than one continuous strip, and if you look at the pictures you’ll notice the cutouts.

The whole process took me about two and a half hours, though I paused a few times to help the kids with homework. I actually enjoy these small DIY projects—it adds a personal touch and gives me that sense of pride in ownership that comes with being a car guy.

Thanks for viewing!

Thanks for checking it out! I can’t take credit for the exhaust—the previous owner had already de-chromed the tips. That said, if I ever run into issues down the line, I’ll have them Cerakote-coated for added durability and high-temperature resistance.

Thanks for checking it out! My only concern with the China-made products is the potential for misaligned mounting screws or the side steps arriving with scuffs or damage. I’ve also noticed some kits that include an electric powered second step, which extends when the door is opened. That might be a route I consider in the future.

 

I've been having this kit in my garage for months... i will be installing it this Saturday! thank you for the reminder and looks real good!

 

Nice work on the install, that's a clean look for the G. Sliplo is a solid choice for a reversible mod. Glad to hear the new one-piece design is easier to handle than the old two-part kit.

 

Should be an easy task!

Thanks! Yes, love when manufacturers listen to the end users and make product design improvements.

 

Thanks for the clarification. 2.5 hours isn't bad. It took my professional installers about two additional hours to remove old vinyl strips and reapply some new ones, so I'd say you were pretty efficient considering that time included helping the kids with homework. I used to pride myself on doing projects on my vehicles as well, but find I have so little time for it anymore that I rarely do it. I do plan to install an Fi exhaust on my wife's new G63, so I'm forcing myself to do a "car project" to actually feel like I've done something productive. It's not terribly difficult, so I don't have any real excuses for not doing it myself...

 

Just sharing mines as well, once again thanks for the reminder looks much better and a very low budget mod!

 

Really cool!

 

I ordered this. What parts of the side steps do you need to remove for the clean install?

 

Great job, Jacob! The install came out clean and professional. I think the blackout vinyl with the texture compliments your Brabus carbon fiber side blades and matte paint. Looks great.

I removed the end caps along with the innermost rubber tread (gasket), then placed the vinyl strips between each tread.

 

thank you. How hard is it to remove the end caps and rubber gaskets?

 

According to the installation instruction youtube video on the seller's website you don't need to remove anything.

 

I believe it was easy. However, if you are used to working on cars you understand nothing is really hard it's just a mix of patience and determination. The rubber treads do not need to be fully removed, you can install it as close to the tread then reposition the vinyl beneath it. The rubber end caps are held in place by four or five trim push type retainer pins. Two in the wheel well, two beneath the end cap and one beneath trim piece. The rear end caps is held in place by four retainer pins.


Mercedes Trim Push Retainers

 

Wrapping a vehicle can be done by applying PPF to all visible panels. For the best-looking finish, though, most installers recommend removing parts like mirrors and door handles. The same approach applies when installing this vinyl kit on the side steps.

 

I just installed this kit on my 21' G550 and did not remove the strips nor end caps, turned out fine. The material is very forgiving if you need to stretch it or you can use the extra material provided to cover up any small gaps.

 

What kit did you guys order that has the tape that runs the length of the running board in one pass? I've seen the one that comes in two parts, and you can see the seam clearly, even in the photos on their website..

 

I also just did this. Thanks to the OP for the idea. The older kit came in two overlapping pieces, the new kit comes in one long piece. I did it without removing the end caps and it worked fine, in fact with the current one-piece kit I don't think there is enough length of material that you could even run it under the end caps.

 

Just ordered, thanks!
The length occurred to me, I'll try marking the edges of the caps and then pull them. To your point, imagine going through the whole install to find out you're short on one side when you put the caps back on lol.

Anyone here that's run this mod for a good amount of time? I dont imagine it lasts forever, but at $150 and a couple hours you can do it once a year and it's still more affordable than any black running boards from Ebay assuming you own this under 5 years; and it'll always look fresh!

 

@TheVazha , I have the same concerns. I've seen many trucks with similar products that are peeling or curling on their running boards. Does anyone have longterm experience (1+ years) with this product? I normally avoid modifying my cars with any aftermarket products, but this one seem purely cosmetic and fairly innocuous. It also seems easy to remove if I end up not liking the end product (or if I screw up during the installation process, which is more likely to occur).