Rick,
I had a '51 Ford many years ago that I hot rodded. I took the running boards off just as you did and it does make the truck look cool.....for awhile!
I added two inch thick Mahogany hunks to act as stepping platforms to get in and out of the truck.
I was VERY sorry that I removed the running boards and tossed them. When lowered or 'raked', I feel the running boards tie the truck together and make it look lower and more streamlined.
If you decide to do this, save all the mounting hardware and don't hack up any sheetmetal. After you get over the novelty of the 'boardless' look, you might change your mind and stick the stuff back on.
Stuart
