The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Running Board Paint Q

What is the proper, original gloss of running boards? (49). Low? Semi? Full Gloss? I was going to powdercoat with low gloss, but the All Metal filler I used will not take the heat (tested a small part first). And, what brand of paint would you reccomend to be most durable? Thanks.

I will be using Herculiner bedliner.

Don't quote me on this, it's just what I remember from 50 years ago working in a Chevy garage. I believe they were a dull allmost flat black not at all gloss black. The running board is simply a step and there was no need to have a fancy finish on it that would just get scratched up.
One of the boys over at VCCA will probably have some documetation on it.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Chrome??? A little on the slippery side,but sure as hell looks nice.

While we're on this subject were THESE THINGS really original equipment on 47-54? Man, at $75 a side... that's outrageous!

Thanks Denny... Do you have a paint you'd recommend? I saw Eastwood has a Chassis paint with ceramic that is supposed to be super tough. I'm going to shoot the boards with K38 to slick off the surface rust (mild). so I need a compatible, tough topcoat.

Woody,

That style of running board safety tread plates was a GM truck accessory from 47-55. They cost between $70-90 for a pair (still not inexpensive).

Tim

The ad says you only get one for $75.
I'd throw $75 for a pair, but for one? Yikes!

Jim Carter sells them as a pair for about $70. American Classic does not say "pair" but it does say "R/B Step Plates-Original 47-54" (plural plates)). I have bought them from American Classic and Jim Carter, and they came two in a box.

These made by Jim Carter and made in the US. The price might be a bit high for some that enjoy overseas parts. If you have any questions give em a call at 800-833-1913.
Mike

You're right, but Classic Parts catalog leaves a bit to be desired, like they could just casually mention it in the description the word... "pair"

I buy most of my stuff from them but they need to tighten up that website... too many things without photos.

I'll CALL that order in.

Woody, I had a pair of these on my 51 in 2006 At AACA show and was to show asked to show documents witch I could not show so points were taken off. I now have a copy of a sales brochure but still not sure if this will be ok for AACA or was this what they would say was dealer accessory and points still lost. If any body has any information if these are ok with AACA now please no. You have to drill eight holes for each side so before I drill into my new running boards I like to find out.

.........jimcarters made in USA doesn't get any better than that. Thanks oletrucks for setting the record straight and say hello to Jim.

I asked this question a while back on the VCCA site and was told they were gloss black. I thought I rememberd them as being satin.
Any way I think I will still paint mine Rustoleum satin black.

David,

When you say/they refer to this style of safety tread plate "as a dealer accessory", I assume you are referring to the AACA taking points off for having a non-GM-listed dealer accessory? This style of plate was an authorized GM accessory sold to the dealers by GM. These plates were available to the dealers from GM, for the dealers to install on the truck (an owner could also buy this GM accessory from the dealer, for the owner to install on the truck). The AACA must surely not penalize trucks which have year-correct GM accessories installed on them?

I have no interest in whether or not the AACA agrees/understands/knows that those plates were original GM accessories from 47-54. However, within a day, I will post a photo from a Chevrolet Truck Data Book (1949, I think).


Mike (OLTrucks),

It would be real helpful if a template for drilling holes was provided with the plates (none have been provided with the plates I have bought from JC or CPA).

Tim

Running board step plates.

I have an NOS set sitting next to me. The description on the label is "Running Board Safety Tread Plate Unit" (TRUCK). The part number is 986328. I paid about $100 including shipping last year.

As an FYI the paint color on these is a gloss black.

I have a very fragile installation instruction sheet that I will scan and create a .pdf file of when I get a few minutes.

Regards,
Mike

Regards,
Mike

Thanks, Mike

The .pdf of the installation instruction sheet would be nice (with your permission, I am willing to post it on my web site).

The part number might be useful for people having problems with AACA judges.

Tim

Tim I will get the sheet we have here that is to go with these units. I also put up some quick data on my site HERE and the Installation instruction sheet
Mike Taylor

As always, Mike, Thanks.

Tim

GM part number 986328 : 1947-1955-1st Running Board Safety Tread Plates installation instructions - .pdf