Step Plates?

Phred

Phred

Senior Member
Is there or was there a practical purpose for the "step plates" that are seen on the running boards on many of the cars, or are they just a "dress up" item?
Peace to all.
 
I have them on my coupe. I don't care for them but they were on there when I bought the coupe. I am guessing it stops the rubber running board mat from wearing out where a person would step getting in and out of the car
 
Years ago I bought a very nice pair of repro step plates for my 1929 Chevy. I couldn't decide if I wanted to drill 4 small holes in each of the good original running boards:confused:, but after 6 months or more I finally mounted them.:eek:

Sure do wish I hadn't done that!:(

To answer your question, they do save some rubber mat wear, and some step plates, like on my 1927 Dodge, have a raised shoe scraper edge to remove mud before climbing into the car.
 
My guess would be that they were usually added later to cover up the worn out rubber. Sure makes it easier to know where to mount them. Personally, I prefer the worn out rubber (otherwise known as "patina").

Charlie Stephens
 
I have a set of them thangs on my 28 Pickup. kinda kool 'cause nobybody else has them on a pickup. ken
 
kenparker said:
I have a set of them thangs on my 28 Pickup. kinda kool 'cause nobybody else has them on a pickup. ken
Click to expand...

I have them on my 1929 extended cab truck. Somebody posted a picture several years ago of step plates that had a Denver dealer logo on them. Offered an obscene amount of money, but guy wouldn't sell them as they had sentimental value.
 
Some people like them but personally, I like the looks of the car with out them.

Just my opinion.

Chris
 
I asked the same question a few years ago
answer i got was the rubber was slippery when wet,, the plates helped us stay shinny side up (i'm bald) and not on our keester
 
I put them on my 28 tudor when I first finished it's restoration many years ago. I redid the runningboards a few years ago and didn't put them back on. I like plain Model As.
 
Plates intended to minimize wear- Have seen unrestored vehicles with worn out spots in that area:(
 
phred . I don't have them on my 31 tudor but i have them on my 29 roadster. I have received a few bumps from people getting in and out of my cars. People that aren't familiar with getting in and out of a mode lA have a tendency to bump their heel of shoes getting out. I have seen that this is the greatest advantage for having them. have fun modelA tony lafayette,la
 
I bought some & never mounted them. Where they look better centered to the door, it's not where I naturally place my foot.
 
Phred said:
Is there or was there a practical purpose for the "step plates" that are seen on the running boards on many of the cars, or are they just a "dress up" item?
Peace to all.
Click to expand...

Properly positioned they allowed people to scape their shoe soles off before getting in the car.
 
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