Running boards alternatives?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Atlanta
Running boards alternatives?
I've been looking for used OEM running boards for my E350 for months and haven't found any yet. (Maybe my craigslist/eBay-fu isn't up to snuff?) I see F-truck boards all the time (in the price range I prefer too...as compared to new E's from the dealer!). Has anyone tried F's on the E?
Are there any other substitutes out there? Or suggested sources?
Are there any other substitutes out there? Or suggested sources?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
E-Series are woefully lacking in running board choices---we can go ultra-fancy fully body side combo wheel flares and running boards or as Maples01 suggests the somewhat unattractive stock Ford van versions.
One problem with trying to adapt F-Series to E-Series is mounting, especially if we want to avoid drilling into the body. I fabricated my own that are ugly but utilize existing holes and J-bolts to clamp them to the frame, no drilling at all. This was done for rust prevention, not because I'm lazy.
Try the site Runningboardwarehouse.com----they seem to have a few choices in between the extremes.
HTH
One problem with trying to adapt F-Series to E-Series is mounting, especially if we want to avoid drilling into the body. I fabricated my own that are ugly but utilize existing holes and J-bolts to clamp them to the frame, no drilling at all. This was done for rust prevention, not because I'm lazy.
Try the site Runningboardwarehouse.com----they seem to have a few choices in between the extremes.
HTH
Posting Guru
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From: N Ca.
But you have to pick them up in Sacramento Ca.
Nevermind, they are gone.
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From: Atlanta
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Long Island NY
These are great! I picked up a used pair off a 14 last year for my 04. I had them welded on. They are heavy duty galvanized. Good for a work truck however if you have a luxury van, keep searching... I plan on painting mine...
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Central Florida
But why?
Can someone please explain to me the appeal of running boards? Is it just for looks? Or function? I can't think of any good reason to put them on there unless the van is lifted…
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Long Island NY
Both looks and functionality for me. More for functionality though. Its also much easier for me to get into the side door. When i installed plywood over the floor, i didn't cut out around the factory step making it more difficult to step in. Glad i have the running boards. On my old box van without running boards, every time i got out of the truck, i slid out and down off the seat. So did my passengers. Thats how the seats got torn up.
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Senior User
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From: Atlanta
Sent you a message, thanks!
Same here, my wife also has a hard time getting in the van (not so easy for me either), it's a big step up and down. I also have older parents and in laws that have difficulty with the height.
Both looks and functionality for me. More for functionality though. Its also much easier for me to get into the side door....snip....On my old box van without running boards, every time i got out of the truck, i slid out and down off the seat. So did my passengers. Thats how the seats got torn up.
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From: N Ca.
For me, it's ease of access
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Senior User
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From: Atlanta
Ugh...I just realized I haven't been a member long enough to use PMs (10 days). I must have sent you a "visitor message". I enabled email, does that work?