The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Installing running boards

I have removed the running boards on my 1954 GMC 100. I had to cut the bolts to remove them. Just wondering when I go to put them back on, are there any tricks or good advise as how to fasten them? Or do I slip another carriage bolt back into the locking tabs as original and hope to not have to remove them again when they get rusty or corroded? Thanks

I would put them back the same but put some never seize on the treads .

I believe the carriage bolts are special with a larger than normal head size which are available from most of the typical suppliers. I have removed mine (similar to you by breaking/cutting the originals) and interested if standard carriage bolts can be used.

I was able to use new carriage bolts on my 1 ton truck running boards
I had to cut them down to perfect length first
I think I bolted the brackets to the running board, left it loose and then bolted it all up to the frame. Trying to line up all the carriage bolts to frame mounted brackets might have been too challenging.
But it was a long time ago and I’m hazy on how exactly I managed to do it without help.

I purchased the running board bolt kit from Classic Parts. The heads of the bolts appear to be larger than a standard carriage bolt.

I modified my boards when removed the slot system and welded in captive nuts on the underside of the board. I then used bolts with lock washers from the underside. I was able to have enough adjustment this way still. You can really crank on a 1/4” bolt compared to that slide system. I also applied anti seize to the threads.

Thank you bolters for All the good advice. Jeff