Plagued with Explorer rusty side step syndrome, I figured I would just
remove them and have them blasted and refinished, right?  Wrong!  In
addition to the actual step bar, there are three separate mounts (per side)
each secured by two rusty bolts.  On each mount, there is a plastic cap
which cannot be removed unless you unbolt the mount.  At each end of the
bar, there is another plastic cap covering a cast metal support, each
secured by another two REALLY RUSTY bolts.  Then, of course, you have to
remove the plastic step insert which is not really designed to be removed.

I'm starting to think the old truck doesn't look bad without the bars but my
wife needs a step ladder to get in without them....