1940 Ford Running Board Covers

mike42

mike42

Well-known member
Planning on replacing the rubber covers on running boards. Of all the people that you can buy them from.....who has the overall best product ?

Thx....Mike
 
I did that once. Have since only used "backorder Bob's" boards with the rubber already molded on. Putting the covers on is NOT an easy thing to do in my opinion. There used to be a fellow named Acuff I think that did a good job but you had to send him your boards.
Good luck with your project, I think Drake probably makes the best covers.
 
I've installed two sets of Bob Drake's '40 covers, and imo are the best available. The first set I did by myself, but was easier with help on the second. Just follow instructions and use a quality contact adhesive. :)
 
The covers Drake sells are okay. It does take patience to install them properly. Proper preparation, as with any project, is paramount to a good result.
I would suggest covers only for a "driver" type vehicle.
Hundley Acuff is still doing boards and for us "purists" they are the only option.
 
I installed the DRAKE covers in 1988 and they still look brand new. No complaints. They have a lip that fits over the outer edge. If you're shooting for AAA award follow "Kube's" advice.
 
Kube is correct (as usual). If you are going for points, unblemished NOS or Acuff boards are the way to go. Drake boards/covers are good "driver" products.
 
Guys my '40 is driven everyday I can. I could show it, but you have to take that "very" seriously and I don't have the patience. Plus I just enjoy driving the car. I'll go with Drakes.

One last thing......should I take off the boards or leave on the car ?

As always....thx........Mike
 
mike42 said:
Guys my '40 is driven everyday I can. I could show it, but you have to take that "very" seriously and I don't have the patience. Plus I just enjoy driving the car. I'll go with Drakes.

One last thing......should I take off the boards or leave on the car ?

As always....thx........Mike
Click to expand...

You must take them off. I'd suggest sand blasting the boards until they are CLEAN. Then, you must fill any low spots on the top of the boards. I would advise the use of a metal impregnated filler vs. an all plastic filler.

Once the boards are smooth you are ready to install the covers. I would suggest 3M Rubber adhesive in a quart (brush applied) can.

The back of the covers must be cleaned thoroughly. Use lacquer thinner and a coarse plastic scrub pad. I would not use steel wool as it often contains oils - something you need to eliminate.
Only glue the bottom edge and wait until that sets up firmly. Only then would I move on any further.
Do not stretch the covers at all.
 
Okay great. Will do. I'm buying them next week and will install as a November December project.

Thx.....Mike
 
Drakes "shoe box" covers have been on my woodie since 1992 and still look great. follow kube's advice about filling/cleaning the boards, 3m glue etc.
 
I'm also planning to replace the covers on my Fordor after the driving season this fall. Is the removal of the boards straightforward or are there some tricks that would be helpful?
 
Board removal is very straight forward and easy. Put 5 gallon pails under the board to support it while you unbolt so it won't just drop down when unbolted. Use stainless bolts, washers and nuts to re-install, unless your a purist. Don't over tighten and "squish" the rubber when securing to fenders.
 
Follow Fordy and Kubes advice and you will be fine. I did my boards like they advise and the have been on the car for 16 years and still look great. The board finish is extremely important.
 
I also used Drakes on my 39. I found wooded spring type clothespins to be a be great helper to keep the lower lip tight while the glue dried.
 
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