Running board mats

[burner31]

Do the cheaper running board mats from MAC's and Mike's need to be cut to fit?
They look squared off in the pics while my boards are tapered ('31 town sedan)
Figure I'm still a few year from paint and can't see putting the high dollar ones on at this time.

[Brace Bailey]

I just in-wrapped my roll of Vintaque running board material - and discovered that there are two mats already cut. They may be 1/8” too big, but I’m going to leave them out to see if they shrink. Right now they will almost lay flat on the boards.

Now the question is: what kind of adhesive can I use that will let me slide the mats under the zink edges? If I use contact cement, I’m sure I won’t be able to slide them under the edge. Any ideas?

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Brace Bailey

I have a roll of running board mat - and it is square - will need to be trimmed. I’m going to paint the underneath side of the boards tomorrow- and I’m trying to decide weather or not to paint the edges. Most of the boards I see are a dull zink colored - and not painted black. I’m putting the car boards on my pickup. I got a pretty good deal on them, and I don’t want to scratch up the truck type boards.

If you want it to look as from the factory, don’t paint the edges. Dull zink is correct. Enjoy.

[SteveB31]

There are a couple different manufacturers of these mats. Some are cut to fit, and some are not. Some have sticky backing on them and some do not. Neither of those are designed for 1931 runningboards- they are designed for 1930 runningboards that have zinc trim on all 4 sides. 1931 boards only have trim on the outer edge and use a different rubber that has the round edge on the inner, front and back edges.

1930
https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=4579

1931
https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=4581

Steve @ Bert's

[Brace Bailey]

Painted the running boards today - left the Zink taped up so it will look like the factory.
Thanks for the note on that!

[Brace Bailey]

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See my note - edited above. My mats were pre-cut.

Wondering what kind of adheasive would stay slick enough to let me slide the mats under the zink lip - then set up and hold them down.

[marc silva]

If you put them on before the contact fully dries (almost dry)they will move and eventually stick. Dry fit them first .

[Brace Bailey]

Thanks... I’m still trying to decide if I should trim a bit (1/8”).....
Dry fit still leaves a bubble across the surface

[Larry Jenkins]

I like your idea about setting them out in the Sun a couple days. Measure before and after. Then you will know if they shrunk. Look at different types of Contact cement.

[marc silva]

Depending on how much "bubble" I would leave it to allow for a little shrink. The adhesive will hold it down. You may want to cut a piece of plywood the size of the running board and then stack some weight on it for a while to hold it flat.

[marc silva]

Should have added while the adhesive dries.

[Dino's A]

My running board material is 20 years old but car was in storage so no wear to them but, is there anything special to use to make them look new? I've tried everything from Armor all to 303 protectant. Don't want a shine but a uniform matte finish as they were newer.

[burner31]

Bleach/white tire cleaner, sit for one minute, scrub, rinse well with clean water
But stay away from the paint as much as possible

[Dino's A]

Originally Posted by burner31

Bleach/white tire cleaner, sit for one minute, scrub, rinse well with clean water
But stay away from the paint as much as possible

Thanks! I never thought of trying that. Thank You.

Dino Falabrino

[marc silva]

You may want to try some lacquer thinner on a rag. Just be careful not to the paint.