running boards
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
I’m sure they’re heavier than that. The rest of the metal is 16 ga and the running boards are heavier than that.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,400
Likes: 8,176
From: northwestern Ontario
Original body panels were 19 gauge most of the patch panels you buy now are 18 gauge. I'm pretty sure the running boards were the same, it's all the ribbing that give them the stiffness ..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
I don’t agree on the running boards though. They are much heavier steel than the rest of the truck. I had some dents on the bottom flange on one that were a bear to hammer out. No ribbing on that section.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,400
Likes: 8,176
From: northwestern Ontario
Wow, that means my truck must have 100 coats of paint on it. I measured 16ga and made patches from the same. Note to self...sand paint off before measuring.
I don’t agree on the running boards though. They are much heavier steel than the rest of the truck. I had some dents on the bottom flange on one that were a bear to hammer out. No ribbing on that section.
I don’t agree on the running boards though. They are much heavier steel than the rest of the truck. I had some dents on the bottom flange on one that were a bear to hammer out. No ribbing on that section.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 366
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Like John said I have gauged and mic'd my sheet metal at 19 ga and the running boards are the same (best that I can measure them). Remember they are ribbed, have support channels diagonally on the bottom and the frame mounts where the majority of the weight is placed when getting in and out of the truck. If I was building from scratch without ribs or strong backs maybe I would use 16ga but I would make additional support under them no matter what I used for running board.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 477
From: Kemptville, ON,
Will get a local shop to bend up the metal and then start welding.
Thanks guys
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,646
Likes: 816
From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
If I remember correctly 56panelford has said he used smooth on his panel and wouldn't do it again . I don't recall if he said why . Maybe he will chime in with his experience . Are you planning on any kind of stainless strips or similar ? And of course rigidity is a concern without the ribbing so there will need to be extra support underneath .
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,400
Likes: 8,176
From: northwestern Ontario
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,400
Likes: 8,176
From: northwestern Ontario
This is the only picture I can find at the moment but yes I installed Smart Strips. They are sold in 3 different profiles and have evenly spaced ( 8 inch apart ) set screws and nuts. They are made of aluminum .