Gluing running board rubber

My covers came with Weldwood Contact Cement. I have not used it yet so I can not say how well it works yet. I did have my running boards powder coated to prevent rusting under the rubber covers. I guess I will see how this works.
 
Contact cement works fine. Make sure the board surface and underside of the covers are clean before application. It helps to roughen the underside of the rubber after cleaning so you don't drive the mold release into the rubber, then clean again to get loose rubber particles off. Make sure to have the alignment at the ends as well as the center portion right otherwise they will bunch when bolts are tightened.
 
3M Rubber Adhesive. It can be purchased through Grainger and most likely other places. Quart can, brush on... works VERY well.
 
I used the contact cement that came with covers from vintique. I wiped the covers down with as best I remember (almost 10 years ago)solvent but you can use any solvent that will remove the mold release. The glue is like paint & will only stick as good as the preperation/cleaning. I DID NOT paint my boards just bare metal scuffed both covers & board with course sand paper. Dry fit covers first then (I used a small paint roller to cement both sides) wait till it dries to the touch cover the board with butcher paper place the cover in position then slowly work the paper out & make sure there are no airpockets
 
Last edited:
I used Weldwood The Original Contac Cement. I believe the "Original" is important. I bought a Quart of it for around $12. Marv
 
Prevous posts have said not to prime the boards ,soo I will be interested to hear how yours stuck onto the primer .please keep us informed.John.
 
37,
DO NOT prime or paint the boards....the glue is so noxious it will in short
order lift the paint or primer and you'll hate yourself....BEEN THERE.
Powder coating may be ok.
Charlie ny
 
Charlie ny said:
37,
DO NOT prime or paint the boards....the glue is so noxious it will in short
order lift the paint or primer and you'll hate yourself....BEEN THERE.
Powder coating may be ok.
Charlie ny
Click to expand...

I do have some concerns about the glue reacting with the powder coating. I know that it is tough so, I will see.
 
I blast sanded the boards for my '40 car... then primed with two part epoxy on both sides. After the epoxy set I used Bondo to smooth out the imperfections on the top side of the boards. Then I reprimed and used Weldwood contact adhesive to attach the rubber....works for me and have had the covers on for two years, no problems. Good luck!
 
Hi Charlie,
The running boards I bought had been filled ( Bondo) and then painted top and bottom in bright blue. They look beautiful but obviously not original. My plan was to rough up the top and repaint the bottom black. Then I was going to glue on rubber. Should I remove the paint/primer on the top. If so, how.? I don't want to strip the filler and start over. Opinions here vary on gluing to paint/primer.
Thanks,
Bruce/CT
Vinokurs@aol.com
 
I'l throw another one in...

I read a tech story about this in a mag years ago and I think the information was coming from a manufacturer. The gist of what they recommended was that you only glue an inch or so in from the perimeter. The reasoning from memory was that you get a more relaxed, smooth fit as well as being a bit easier to do (less risk of wrinkles.)

I also have this job looming.
 
I just stripped the old rubber off of mine yesterday. One was really tought to strip and the other was easy. I know one was re-done and one was original. They were both glued all over so that is what I was thinking of doing? Hmmm...

-Shiny
 
3M Super adhesive available at home dept. You can spray it on both surfaces and then install covers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top