The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Running Board Color ~ `50 Chevy P/U

I am restoring (100% frame off) a 1950 Chevy 1/2 ton; 5 window,(3100 series) pick up truck to factory original condition. While all the other factory original colors (interior, dash, interior trim, headliner to door panels, exterior body color etc) have been relatively easy to determine; the color of the RUNNING BOARDS is in question. QUESTION: Were the original steel running boards (1) the color of the exterior body or (2) Black. If Black was the Black Gloss or Flat?

Semi-gloss black

Tim -

I need to remove the running boards on my '54 someday to repaint. My wife and I are both "height-challenged" so we must step on the running boards every time we enter and exit the truck.

> Any suggestions on how to keep the running boards looking factory fresh? I don't want to add a step plate or cover.
- type of paint
- method of application
- etc

Thanks,

What’chu guys steppen’ in Lonnie? I've had my running boards painted with PPG
enamel for nearly seven years now and I've never taken any special precautions other than
to knock my shoes of before I step up. I just a little runt at 5’8” and shrinking so every
time I get in Bluebelle I use the running board step as do any of my passengers. Of course
my truck isn't a show truck just a patched up old driver. The only thing I do is put a good
coat of Meguiars on them a few times a year.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/140330670
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/140330671

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Ahh, just to be contrary to Denny, I ended up putting spray on bed liner (black) on my running boards, its matt-ish, non skid, and wont wear through. It also comes in spray bombs. Of course I do bad things, like get into my truck with muddy rubber boots when I'm at work and have gravel and rocks stuck in the tread, and generally get in and out several times a day, every day. I found that I'd wear through paint in about two months before I spray bombed the running boards with liner. Also, it rains here alot, and paint is so friggin' slick. Man, you get some frost on those... You don't look very cool when you fall off your truck...

It does have some texture though, so you might not like the look.

I'm pretty sure Lonnie is trying to keep his truck as original as he can and even though that
stuff is indestructible I'll bet he wouldn't want it on his truck any more than I would.

I saw the bit that Mythbusters filmed on spray-on bed liner where they sprayed the outside of
wood and concrete walls to the bathroom where Buster was sitting on the commode.
Then set of a load of C4 next door and nothing happened to the walls that had the bed liner on them
but both were blown in without it and blew Buster right off the throne. Indestructible to
say the least.

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny and Christopher -

That's my delema. Tough or original. As Denny correctly guessed, I want the original look, but I also don't want to have to get into the truck in my sock feet.

Denny - your boards look like they have held up well. I think that I'll go the paint route. I'll let the paint store guide me.

Christopher - I had been contemplating putting bed liner on the running boards. Don't know if it's available smooth, without the wrinkled/textured surface.

If the paint doesn't hold up, I may try smooth bedliner the next time (if there is such stuff).

Thanks for the input of your experiences.

I have used PPG DCC urethane on my running boards. As Denny posted for his paint, that seems to work fine.

On one of my trucks, I have the GM Accessory Running Board Step Plate that was available 47-55.

You can get those long stlye OEM (repop) pads.

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/10077/Chevrolet_RUNNING_BOARD_STEP_PLATES_SUPER_REPRO.html

I agree though, the paint does look nicer than bed liner. I ended up doing this after falling off the running boards on time when it was wet out. I didn't, and don't have the bucks for the non-skid pads above.

You can always re paint the boards easy enough if you do wear through them. I'll bet the paint would last for years if you wear shoes, instead of work boots all the time.

Yeah Chris.............Seven and still counting!!!!!

Now doubt it wouldn't stand up used as you use your's, that is as a work truck.


DG

In the late 70's and early 80's GM put a clear textured pad rock guard on the fenders of the trucks. That stuff was hard as nails and would work great on the running boards if placed where you step all the time.

I got some peel & stick anti-skid strips for bathtubs at the hardware store. They fit perfect on the top of the running board ridges. I have a bad habit of just jumping in the truck without checking my soles so gravel and dirt is almost always under foot.