The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 3600 ("Long Box") Running Boards

When I got my 3600 the left side running board and splash panel were missing. The previous owner had been T-boned and the running board took the brunt of the impact. Supports were also missing. I learned pretty quick these longer running boards were very difficult to find, even used.

We have no more local wreckers and the closest (there's one 2-1/2 hours away and another 6 hours away) focus on newer vehicles for the collision repair sector and I could have spent a month of Sundays trying to find one locally in someone's backyard. I just don't have the time to spend.

I finally located a company that makes new reproduction "Long Box" running boards (for the 3/4 ton, can't speak to the even longer beds). I got these on the "eBay" of all places but I think it is the manufacturer. The only difference I can see is they don't have the beads rolled into em. BUt that's OK. The sheetmetal mounts (between the running boards and the frame supports) the company recommends be glued not welded, which surprised me. I presume because of the flex? At any rate I used panel adhesive, having some experience with that before and no way they will be going anywhere. I got the replacement splash panel from Chevs of the 40s, fit fine.

The support kit I got (the ones that bolt to the frame, not with the running boards themselves) had one of the three that was wayyy too short, I ended up having to weld an extension on that one. Always something.

But the running board itself, it fit really nicely. Very pleased. Heavy gauge steel too, I'm gonna say 16 gauge?

Anyway, I got the board set last year and finally got them prepped, painted and installed. Last bolts went in tonight. No, I haven't done the other side since there is a board on that side. I might later just so they match.

Too much snow out there to take it outside for proper photos yet but looking forward to spring... well... around here that can mean a lotta rain so I better be careful what I wish for I guess.