Running Board Mats and Step Plates

[mantta]

I am about to start replacing the matting on the runningboards on my 1930 Coupe and have a few questions as this is a project I have never done before. First, does the zinc trim have to come off the edges? If so, how is that trim attached? I don't see any screws. Is there an easy way to remove the old matting? and last, I'm putting step plates on and, is there a specific location that they should be mounted to be correct?

 

[wrndln]

The new zinc trim should come with a right angle on the lower edge. You have to bend the trim around the bottom metal on the edge of the runningboard. I made a thin board and clamped it to the outside of the zinc trim to hold it in place while I took a short 2x4 block (or some sort of wood block) and carefully hammered the trim over the vertical runningboard metal to hold it in place. I first bent it a little all the way along the edge, then a little more and kept bending it with the 2x4 and hammer until it was nicely formed around the runningboard metal on the edges. I think you would have a hard time trying to salvage the existing zinc trim to try to use it again. It is probably a little beat up anyway from what I have seen on runningboard.
Rusty Nelson

 

[Bob/Kansas City]

As far as removing the old mating goes I was able to just scrape my old mats off with a wide blade putty knife. The original old adhesive was brittle enough that it came loose easily.
When I replaced the mats with new ones I used the preglued mats from Bratton's and they have worked well so far. You just peel the backing and press in place. I also used a rubber roller to be sure they were stuck down thoroughly and firmly. Of course the surface of the old running boards has to be clean and free of any grease, rust or dirt for this type of mat to work.

 

[1930artdeco]

For those of you who have replaced mats. I have a set of mats ready to go but the adhesive may be shot as they have been in the garage for about six months now. Can I used rubber cement to glue them down?

Mike

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

For those of you who have replaced mats. I have a set of mats ready to go but the adhesive may be shot as they have been in the garage for about six months now. Can I used rubber cement to glue them down?

Mike

I do not trust that glue they come with. On one hot, windy day, one of my mats blew off while I was driving. I did not notice until many miles later, so it was gone. You have to purchase them by the pair, so it gets expensive and now I have one right mat sitting in my parts stash. So now I clean all the glue off the rubber and use a solvent ( adhesive remover, brake clean, etc) to get the rubber squeaky clean. Clean the metal thoroughly, rough the rubber and metal up with sand paper or wire brush for good "tooth" and use a good exterior rated contact cement on both surfaces, following the directions.

 

[davehc]

mantta - In reference to your step plates . I have a pair I plan to put on my 30 4dr , if the weather ever breaks here , and I cant remember where I got the info to do it , but I belive I was just going off what looked right in a pic I saw . The front plate was centered on the door , and centered on the mat , from the inside to outside . I would think this would work for your coupe also . Hope it helps .