A side bar made according to this invention includes a rail that forms a channel which receives a clip. The clip is moveable along the channel to any vehicle or step mounting point desired. Once in its desired location, the clip helps to secure the rail to the bracket. When the rail is secured to a vehicle frame, the rail hides the vehicle mounting brackets from view and, when fully assembled with a step, hides the step mounting bracket from view. Because the mounting brackets are not visible, and because the step is complementary in shape to the rail, the rail gives the appearance of supporting the step.