Model A question

J

Jay in Mass

Senior Member
What is the correct name for the painted panel that is connect to the inner part of the running board ? Is is a toe board? This would be for any Model A car. I know that 32 Fords do not have this panel.
Thanks in advance. Sorry to ask a stupid question
 
Not a stupid question...it's called a splash apron. Don't hesitate to ask questions - this is what the Barn is all about! :)
 
It is called a splash apron because originally, in the 1910's, this piece was a piece of leather, a real apron.
 
The answer to that quest depends on who you ask, IMO. I've heard them referred to as a splash apron (as above), a valence, splash valence, running board valence and others. Yet another example of different terminology based on location?
 
Mcgarrett, Nkaminar and Synchro909
I want thank all of for answering that Model A question. That makes a lot of sence. I had it completely wrong.
Jay in Mass.
 
Jay in Mass said:
What is the correct name for the painted panel that is connect to the inner part of the running board ? Is is a toe board? This would be for any Model A car. I know that 32 Fords do not have this panel.
Thanks in advance. Sorry to ask a stupid question
Click to expand...

Jay in Mass said:
Mcgarrett, Nkaminar and Synchro909
I want thank all of for answering that Model A question. That makes a lot of sence. I had it completely wrong.
Jay in Mass.
Click to expand...

Ummm Jay, don't be too hard on yourself. We all (-me included) get it wrong sometimes, ...and I'm pretty sure these guys' answers above have it completely wrong too. :D :eek: :o

The correct -or at least the proper name for that panel would come from Ford's nomenclature which is/was the 'Running Board Shield'. The name of this item can be found in many areas of Ford produced media such as the PPL books and on the prints under A-16535-* and A-16536-* part numbers.

FWIW, the panel directly below the A-8200-* Radiator Shell is correctly named the 'Front Splash Shield' (A-16527-*). Unless I have missed it all these years, I have never known of Ford to call one of his components a "Splash Apron". Even my Model-T PPL books name those items as Running Board Shield and Radiator Apron Shield. I hope this helps...
 
Just what are these panels shielding????? To keep water and mud from splashing on the running boards! Which we have forgotten because are A’s don’t see muddy potholes roads today. My grandpa always used model A ‘s to teach in country one room schools, the A’s would get through the mud !
 
The apron term was used by other manufacturers of the era and caught on for use due to that. You find terms like apron and valance used for similar purposes in the industry. The skirt term was used on rear fender opening covers but not all manufacturers called them skirts. It's all about familiar terms for stuff like this. If a person uses a term like splash apron when referring to a model A, most of us will know what they are referring to even though it's not the term Ford used.

Ford contoured the outside of the frame rails in 1932 to simplify the mounting of the fenders and running boards. This eliminated the need for a shield and the bracing for the running board. Even the term running board can be questioned but most folks don't.
 
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In the Ford Parts Price List it is called a Running Board Shield and has part numbers in the range of A-16532-R - A-16539-B.

























































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