Running Board Question

[pgerhardt]

Today I got the time to get up to the (my neighbor's) garage and lay the new front fenders in place. It looks like fitting them to the frame and splash shield will not be a big problem. However the running boards appear to be 3/4" too long.

Now, before you tell me that the rear fenders, running boards, splash shields and front fender are best all fitted at the same time, I know that. But my piece by piece restoration is by necessity not my preferred way of doing it. (Did I mention it is my neighbor's garage, not mine.)

The easiest way to get a perfect fit is to remove the running boards, make them the correct length, and reinstall them. (I want to get rid of the step plates anyway.)

But before I start cutting and welding I am wondering (since so much else was wrong on my car) if my 29 tudor might have the wrong running boards? So:

1.) Is there a difference in size between 28-29 and 30-31 running boards?

2.) What are the dimensions of the 28-29 running boards?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Dave in MD]

The 30/31 boards are wider on one end than the other, whereas the 28/29 boards are rectangular. My reproduction boards measure 9 1/2 inches wide by 44 1/2 inches long.
You also need to consider the location of the two running board brackets on each side as far as location of the running boards. There is also a difference in the pattern in the rubber mat between the 28/9 and 30/1. Are your front fenders original or reproductions? I had thought the 28/9 reproduction front fenders were a good fit but the 30/1 had some fitting problems.
Dave

[Russ B]

My Rootlieb reproduction 1929 running boards are 44-5/8" long. My originals are the same, but without the end pieces. So they could be up to 44-3/4" fully assembled. I used reproductive fenders and ended up adding a wedge triangle about 1/8" to 1/4" by 9" to the right front fender to get the fit I wanted at the running board. ...but fits were generally pretty good for the fenders and running boards.


Most other reproduction sheet metal I bought for the cabriolet, floor and rumble pan, were much worse. 3/4" for the running boards seems a bit much, and more than an easy refitting. On assembly, I loosely bolt things together initially, and come back later to tighten once the assembly is together.

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by Dave in MD

The 30/31 boards are wider on one end than the other, whereas the 28/29 boards are rectangular. My reproduction boards measure 9 1/2 inches wide by 44 1/2 inches long.
You also need to consider the location of the two running board brackets on each side as far as location of the running boards. There is also a difference in the pattern in the rubber mat between the 28/9 and 30/1. Are your front fenders original or reproductions? I had thought the 28/9 reproduction front fenders were a good fit but the 30/1 had some fitting problems.
Dave

My new front fenders are reproduction, and yes, from what I have heard they are much better than the 30-31 reproduction fenders. The only problem I have is the running boards. If your boards are 44 1/2" and mine are 44 3/4", new boards would be only 1/2" too long. If I loosen everything up I might be able to gain the 1/2" I would need with new reproduction boards. New boards and no cutting. That may be the way to go.
Thanks!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Russ B

My Rootlieb reproduction 1929 running boards are 44-5/8" long. My originals are the same, but without the end pieces. So they could be up to 44-3/4" fully assembled. I used reproductive fenders and ended up adding a wedge triangle about 1/8" to 1/4" by 9" to the right front fender to get the fit I wanted at the running board. ...but fits were generally pretty good for the fenders and running boards. ..........

Russ, you're a lucky guy and have the goose that layed the golden egg, if you have fenders that reproduce.

I bought the common repro running boards for my 29 Tudor, but haven't tried them yet. I wish I'd have spent more money and bought the best repro ones from Rootlieb.

[Russ B]

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Russ, you're a lucky guy and have the goose that layed the golden egg, if you have fenders that reproduce.

I bought the common repro running boards for my 29 Tudor, but haven't tried them yet. I wish I'd have spent more money and bought the best repro ones from Rootlieb.

, That would be nice. Too bad, I needed a new fender about two years ago, and they were not reproducing any at the time. I really could have used that reproducing fender. But not being able to find one, helped me learn a little more body working skills.