31 running board to splash shield assembly

[Zoltan]

I am installing reproduction running boards and splash shields on my 31 Coupe aligning them with the fenders before the final painting. For final assembly, is there an adhesive or body caulk that goes in the splash shield lower channel when setting in the running board? Is the channel crimped against the lower edge of the running board?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

The 'trough' is not crimped however just so you know, most reproduction body aprons are not manufactured correctly. The repro apron has a Vee-styled trough under the lip of the running board whereas the original apron had a U-shaped trough.

[Oldbluoval]

Brent is spot on..
The board will not seat down far enough unless you reshape the channel.
Also there are a couple of weep holes to allow water to drain. I don’t recall if repo have those.

[Zoltan]

Thanks. I will flatten out the Vee. As for drain holes, I assume no one uses butyl sealant tape to keep water out in the first place? I have not studied the edge of the repo running board to see if a rounded U or a square U would make a better fit. Any advice?

[Oldbluoval]

To me, “sealing out” the water usually results in trapping it in!
Reforming to the “U” is best. It mates up and holds the apron in place better. You really don’t want it loose as it can flex inward.
At a minimum you might be able to make a die on vice grips and work it along reforming.
I haven’t used repo aprons in many years…being blessed with original gathered for years

[Zoltan]

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Thanks for the advice. I created a 3/16" u-channel in the splash shield to fit the running board. (Old school style with no sophisticated tools.) Clamped on 3/16" steel stock to start the bend, hammered it flat, and squared it up on the flat concrete floor. One down and one to go.