Mounting Repro Running Boards

L

loumo

Member
In attempting to mount reproduction running boards on my 1929 roadster I find that the holes in the mounting brackets on the bottom of the running boards don't line up with the bolt holes in the support brackets which are riveted to the frame. I know, what would you expect? Bracket holes on car are 27 and 3/4 inches on centers. Running board bracket holes are 28 and 1/8 inches on centers.

I am puzzled about how to resolve this problem. I could drill out the spot welds on the mounting brackets that are on the underside of the running boards and then reposition them correctly. However, how do I protect the rubber pad on the top surface of the running board from burning when re spot welding the brackets in place. Do I need to remove the rubber surface pad?

Thanks for any suggestions in resolving this issue.
 
I had this same problem for my 1928 Tudor. I was able to remove the rubber pads from my running boards without damage using a putty knife, and moved the mounting brackets as you suggested. I believe the rubber pads are available from the parts houses if you do damage yours.
 
From what I've learned, Rootlieb makes the best running board. Many makers of running boards have a flat outer lip, but Rootlieb makes it with the offset to match the offset in the trim over it. I would ask about the mounting dimensions, but I'd think Rootlieb would be accurate on this also.
 
The Rootlieb running boards on my May '29 Tudor measure 28-1/8" on center. The brackets, measured at the top rivet on the frame, are the same or very close, certainly within 1/16".

I suspect loumo's brackets may be twisted or bent.

Joe
 
loumo- I'll assume that you checked to see if your brackets have not been bent. I've seen alot that have been. Might need to tweak one or both of 'em.:)
 
Bracket are not bent. All steel in the rb area is original except for repo running boards. Both sides of car have the same 27 and 3/4 inch on centers measurement. Could there have been two measurements used by Ford?
 
When we did the article on Rootlieb in Spring 2006 Model A Times they said their running boards were made with the original Ford dies and were as correct as you can get.
 
loumo said:
...Both sides of car have the same 27 and 3/4 inch on centers measurement...
Click to expand...

Are you measuring at the running board bolt holes, or at the frame? If the measurement at the frame (for instance, between the top rivets) is 28-1/8" or very close, then both brackets are tweaked a bit.

It takes very little distortion in the brackets to change the c-c dimension 3/8".

Joe
 
JoeWay said:
Are you measuring at the running board bolt holes, or at the frame? If the measurement at the frame (for instance, between the top rivets) is 28-1/8" or very close, then both brackets are tweaked a bit.

It takes very little distortion in the brackets to change the c-c dimension 3/8".

Joe
Click to expand...
I am measuring very carefully with a stiff ruler and consistently get 27 and 3/4 inches on centers between the bolt holes on the support brackets that are attached to the frame. This 27 and 3/4 inches is very consistent between the 4 sets of holes on both brackets attached to each side of the frame. That's 4 sets of very careful measurements that are 27 and 3/4 on centers inches. The car has not ever been damaged in this area so I am positive the brackets are not tweaked.

Also what accounts for the fact that several members, reporting on this site, have measured their original "28 & 29's" and come up with the 27 and 3/4 inch on centers measurements?

Have emailed Brookville , but have not heard back from them yet.
 
loumo said:
Any ideas as to why several of us members measure our RB frame bracket holes at 27 and 3/4 inches on centers and other members say they get a measurement of 28 and 1/8 inches on centers?
Click to expand...
I know this wont help you but I'm measuring 28 1/8 at the frame rivets and 28" centers on my repo running boards. That I have not tried to mount yet.
 
Re: I used Rootlieb running boards on my '31 Phaeton

& they fit great ( better than most other parts during assembly)!!
 
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