People often ask me how DirtyBars started, and the truth is, it all came from wanting something that simply didn't exist.
When I bought one of the first facelift 76 Series LandCruisers in Western Australia, I wanted electric side steps that looked as good as the rest of the build. I loved the convenience of electric side steps, but I wasn't a fan of how they looked. I wanted something that had the practicality of electric side steps while still having the aggressive styling of rock sliders.
After searching everywhere and coming up empty, I decided to build my own.
THE FIRST SET.
I invested a lot of time into designing and manufacturing the very first set of what would become DirtyBars. At the time, I wasn't trying to start a business. I just wanted the perfect side steps for my own 76.
Months went into designing, testing and refining every detail until I was happy with the final product. I wanted something that looked factory when retracted, worked flawlessly every day, and suited the tough look of a properly built 4WD.
ONE POST CHANGED EVERYTHING.
Once the first set was finished, I fitted them to my 76 Series and shared a few photos and videos on my personal 4WD Instagram page, @taj_mclaren.
I honestly didn't expect the response.
My inbox started filling up with people asking where they could buy them. The comments kept rolling in, and before long I realised I wasn't the only person looking for a better alternative.
One enquiry became ten. Ten became hundreds.
That's when I realised this could become something much bigger.
DIRTYBARS WAS BORN.
What started as one custom set quickly turned into DirtyBars.
From that point on, the goal wasn't just to build side steps, it was to build the best electric side steps on the market.
Since then, we've spent countless hours refining our designs, improving our electronics, perfecting fitment and expanding our range to suit more vehicles across Australia.
Every product is designed with the same philosophy I had when building that very first set: if I wouldn't put it on my own vehicle, I won't sell it.
BUILT FOR EVERYDAY ADVENTURES.
DirtyBars aren't just about looks.
They're designed for people who actually use their 4WDs every day. Whether that's loading the kids in, climbing into a lifted touring rig, heading to work, or tackling your next weekend adventure.
The steps automatically deploy when you open the door and retract neatly away when you don't need them, giving you easier access while maintaining a clean, factory-style appearance and maximum ground clearance.
It's the best of both worlds.
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED.
DirtyBars is proudly Australian owned and operated.
What started as one bloke trying to solve a problem on his own 76 Series has grown into a business supplying customers all around Australia.
We're still a small team, and we still genuinely care about every product we release. We listen to customer feedback, continue developing new models, and constantly look for ways to improve.
THE JOURNEY IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
Looking back, it's crazy to think that DirtyBars all started because I couldn't find the side steps I wanted for my own vehicle.
Today, DirtyBars are fitted to hundreds of 4WDs across Australia and across the globe, and seeing customers share photos of their builds never gets old.
To everyone who's supported us along the way—thank you.
Every order, every message, every tag and every recommendation has helped turn one idea into a growing Australian brand.
And this is only the beginning.