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Discussion Topic:
1936 Ford Running Boards installation
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flatfoot |
04-25-2025 @ 2:22 PM
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Member
Posts: 286
Joined: Mar 2011
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How difficult is to replace the boards on my '36? Do you need to paint the boards after taking off the old rubber? How does the old rubber come off. How do you do it? Never did this chore before. Or is it better to buy boards that are already covered? Where do you buy these covered boards at a reasonable price?
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Peter in NH |
05-07-2025 @ 5:25 AM
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Member
Posts: 45
Joined: Oct 2009
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I've recovered two sets of original boards through the years. One set for my 32 and the latest set for my 35 restoration. In order to remove the old rubber covers I used my acetylene torch to warm them up which makes it significantly easier to scr*pe off the old material. Once I accomplished that I did whatever I had to in order to make them ready for finish paint on the underside. It's a good idea to not put any paint on the top side. Originally the rubber was vulcanized on the boards. Today we simply use contact cement. I have consistently used some metal venetian blind slats to separate the new rubber covers from the metal boards and they were slowly removed as I smoothed the rubber material onto the boards. As for availability of new covers, I don't know who is currently selling them so you'll have to contact some of the reproduction companies to find a source for them. If you're patient and take your time, you should be very successful in producing a nice job. Peter
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G Tosel |
05-08-2025 @ 1:50 PM
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Member
Posts: 95
Joined: Oct 2009
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Recovering running boards good advice from Peter in NH. I agree that the top of the board should not be painted, but there are two places on each board that should include some filler because of depressions located where the braces mount on the bottom. I you do not level that area, the new rubber will show that depression on the surface.
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staplerad |
05-12-2025 @ 1:15 AM
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Member
Posts: 1
Joined: May 2025
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Peter's method of using heat to soften and remove the old rubber is a tried and true technique, and his tip of using contact cement on the metal bars to evenly coat the new rubber shows his attention to detail. You should follow his instructions.
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flatfoot |
05-23-2025 @ 1:17 PM
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Member
Posts: 286
Joined: Mar 2011
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Thank you to all for the info. My first time, we'll see.
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