36 ford passenger running boards

[JimH]

I need to purchase a set of running board for my project. I will be going with the covered boards. And am planning on purchasing the boards and installing the covers. How are the aftermarket boards? Are there different manufacturers? Is one brand better than the other? I hear the B.D. finished board fit really well. Are they worth the extra $$. Do the bare board fit just as well?

Thanks, Jim

[Lawson Cox]

Having installed covers on original boards, I can say it is a pain to get it right. I would find some good original boards and send them to Hunley Acuff in Rossville, GA and have them vulcanized. Just like originals. I think you would be glad you did. Probably a little more expensive than Drakes boards, but you get what you pay for. My 2¢

[TJ]

The Drake covers fit the original boards very well. You do have to make sure that the original boards are smooth. You have to use some filler in the area of the braces or the covers will "dip" down in that area. Using covers will save you some money, but will cost you some time to do it right. The new Drake boards fit very well and look correct. They are a "bolt and go" operation. I've put on covers and used the new Drake boards and I prefer using the new boards.

[Don Rogers]

The support brackets on the underside of the Drake vulcanized boards are unusual! They are not the type that you see under most originals. They do not have 2 holes in them as is more common. My research at The Benson Ford Archives has only found drawings of the 2 hole type. My 2 ¢ worth!!

[Dave D]

I spoke to Bob about those same support bracket issues. He finally admited to me the Street Rod guys don't care and they are most of his business. It saves costs on the board.

[Don Rogers]

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I'm confused! The bare board that he sells seems to have the correct brackets. Why wasn't that a cost factor there??

[Dave D]

Don't shoot me Don, I'm only the messenger! (but I get your point)

[franksford]

how do i contact Hunley Acuff for information on getting mine done? Frank

[JM 35 Sedan]

Here is some info I have saved in my files from old/past Fordbarn posts:

Hunley Acuff in Rossville, GA. He does an awesome job, and well worth the money. Hunley Acuff # 706-866-4875 does the FINEST job on the planet. Hunley did my 39 Zephyr boards....Yea they are PERFECT.

Mr. Acuff's contact information: Address; 1432 Wilson Rd., Rossville, GA 30741. Phone (706) 866-4875 call after 5:00pm EST. He did the running boards on our '39 CS and they are outstanding.

[Karl Wescott]

Be careful of the uncovered repro boards. Most of them do not have the correct swoop from front to back and often do not fit the fenders correctly. In addition some are sized for smooth boards so are too large for covers.

imho, go the Drake covered board (which does have the correct swoop) or the ORIGINAL board/Acuff route. Any cost savings from trying to use a repro bare board with separate covers will be lost from the time, effort, and marginal quality of the results.

[Dave D]

I would find some good original boards and send them to Hunley Acuff in Rossville, GA and have them vulcanized. Just like originals.

Does he actually use rubber? I was told he does his boards in urethane.

[TJ]

You are correct, he uses a urethane on the boards.

[Bob Drake Repro]

Facts about how Bob Drake Reproductions does it today, and how Ford Motor Company made running boards for 1932-40 Fords; http://www.bobdrake.com/RunningBoards-New.html

[Hamtown Al]

I used the bob drake new boards on my 36 convertible sedan and they fit perfectly... I did not have to modify them or my original steel fenders to get them to align properly. I didn't take a file to any hole to elongate it. Looks great! Al