Conditioning Running Board Rubber

Ball and Chain

Ball and Chain

Well-known member
Any recommendations on what to put on running boards to keep them looking new? I have redone running boards on my 35 and they look a little light next to my black paint. I don’t want to give them a car lot baptism, but what can I put on them to keep them looking new for as long as possible.

Thanks!
 
I always liked Armorall original. It was a flat black, not shiny or pimpish looking. I haven't been able to find it for long while, though. Look for a rubber/vinyl dressing with a satin finish.
 
I've tried a lot of different products and they all seem to attract dirt. Now I use black shoe polish. Buffs to a nice sheen and seems to stay cleaner longer.
 
If they appear to be on the light side perhaps not all of the mold release agent has been removed. It also attracts dirt. Try a little lacquer thinner rubbed on a test spot and see if you notice an appreciable difference in the shade of the black.
 
I use a stove pipe blacking that I bought at local hardware. Can’t remember the name though and will have to go out to the barn later and see. I used it on the old rubber on my ‘40 and then after I replaced the covers I use it once every Spring. Does a fine job and it was recommended by someone online here.

Mike
 
I use Meguiar's Natural Shine. Doesn't seem to attract dirt like Armorall. and gives the rubber a natural look. I only use it 2 or 3 times a year. In between I just use a wet towel to get the dust off.
 
Back in the 60's, my brother used brake fluid on his tires.It looked pretty good.It's not compatible with paint though.
 
Brian said:
Yeah, boot polish- KIWI brand is best!!!
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Youre partial though I guess? ;)

TJ said:
I use Meguiar's Natural Shine. Doesn't seem to attract dirt like Armorall. and gives the rubber a natural look. I only use it 2 or 3 times a year. In between I just use a wet towel to get the dust off.
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Perfect I have a bottle of that somewhere...

Thanks for the responses guys!
 
I have always used Go-Jo on rubber parts to make them look like new. It won't hurt them and I think it softens them up too. I use it when putting rubber grommets and plugs and bumpers into holes. It makes them slid right in. Try it and you will be surprized. Don't use the gritty stuff
 
I have never tried this, but I remember my father in law ( who is long gone) telling me that back in the 50's they would use "sugar water" to make the tires & running board rubber shine. This supposedly was the way before Armorall & the other products available now. Maybe he was pulling my leg, but I thought I would relay this, so don't chastise me.:rolleyes:
 
I have used Bleach White which is usually used for white wall tires. I use it on the tires as well as the running boards and the final finish is like natural rubber and does not seam to attract dirt. It works for me. Thanks
 
303 has a good product for rubber and has UV protection. Use it on my tires, satin finish, non sticky so does not attract dust.
 
flathead48 said:
303 has a good product for rubber and has UV protection. Use it on my tires, satin finish, non sticky so does not attract dust.
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Thanks for all the ideas. Just used the 303, cause I had it handy in the cabinet. Worked great, natural looking finish. Huge improvement, washing the running boards didn’t do a thing. For my ‘39 Convertible Sedan, not the ‘37... lol
 
Bubsyouruncle said:
I have a pair of, I think, original 1932 Ford running boards. Under everything I find WHITE rubber! What do I have?

DavidG - Huh?
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I hope DavidG can shed some light on your question, but just as a possible...
Natural rubber is white, lampblack is added to color it black.
 
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