The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 41-46 Running Boards Question

I probably need to replace the running boards on my 42 1/2T project. Looking at Jim Carter's catalog, I could go with fiberglass or metal smoothies. I would prefer to remain stock appearance, but am concerned as to whether the fiberglass is really functional. Can you stand on them like the originals, or is that a no-no? Same question about the smoothies in metal. Anyone here had any experience with either?

There are some guys with the repro metal smoothies on here, and perhaps they'll weigh in on the subject.

My personal experience with repro parts in general is that in alot of cases, the fiberglass stuff is thicker and tougher than the metal parts.

If it was me, i'd try and fix your originals.. if they're too far shot, i'd keep an eye on eBay for originals.. they very often sell for less than what new repro stuff costs.

Original running boards for a half ton crop up on e-bay once in a while, but they're pretty rare.

If you don't have to have them right this instant, I'd go with originals if at all possible. Otherwise, I'd go with whichever is easier to get my hands on.

For my three quarter ton, the only repro option is fiberglass. I'm hoping someone wants to sell some on ebay.

Theres a pair of original 41-46 1/2 ton running boards on eBay right now , with a $100 buy-it-now.. altho i'd ask for some more pictures before I bought 'em.

brendanm

Are your fiberglass boards fully functional? Can you stand on them and such without fracturing them?

You know I was reading somewhere (probably a thread here on the bolt) that the only available repro floor for a '41-'46 was made of fiberglass.

I don't know that i'd use fiberglass on a real working truck or let people ride on them, but for a weekend car show truck, they'd probably be ok.. provided your supports are all there and solid.

What i'd worry about with fiberglass wouldn't so much be standing on it.. but impact damage.. like hitting a high curb, or having gravel kicked up and hitting it.

Fumblin:

I agree about the stones and such. If you hit a curb, you're going to bend the metal -- sometimes badly as my PO did. I'm thinking that with fiberglass fenders and /or running boards, one must undercoat heavy to protect the parts. Since my truck will not be an everyday work truck, or even an everyday driver, glass should work OK for me. BTW, I am going with the fiberglass floor, as mine has been hacked on, rusted badly and patched.

I just put fiberglass running boards on my '41 PU...they're tough, won't rust and if they need to be replaced they are relatively inexpensive( less that $200.a pair). I've put AD original step plates on the f'glass for addt'l protection.

Steveg:

Where did you buy the fiberglass boards from for $200/pr.? That sounds like a great price!

I haven't bought any yet. I have done the research to see what's out there.

Hence my hoping that some crop up on ebay.

Do you guys know the length of short wheelbase running boards? I have a set but don't know if they are for a long or short wheelbase truck.

The 1/2 ton running board length at the cab side is 63 1/2 (or 63 3/4) and on the outside is 83 tip to tip. Width at the front at the cab/front fender is 18 and 10 at the bed/rear fender.

There was a complete 41-46 3/4 ton pickup in Midlothian, Texas a few months ago. It's in pretty good condition. I need to get pictures and post it in the swap meet/spotting network.