53-56 Running Boards
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New User
Joined: Sep 2010
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53-56 Running Boards
Here's a question for the pros. I'm restoring a '55 f100, and am working on straightening a beat up running board. I made gauges to match different parts of the curves from the passenger side, and found that the rear of the driver side is very differently shaped (look same at glance, but upon comparison aren't). There is a lot more room between the rear tips of the ribs and the rear edge of the board on the passenger side. Just trying to confirm the discrepancy (not sure why they're different) before I continue work and find out that one is a different year or something.... has anyone noticed this?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,205
Likes: 4,819
From: Burbank, WA
The 48-52 isn't even remotely the same shape as the 53-56. I promise that is not your problem. It's also not uncommon for the left and right side anything to not be 100% identical to each other. Do what you need to do to have the pieces fit. Don't worry if the ribs are a quarter inch off from side to side.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2010
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Thanks, Merc. But we're not talking a quarter-inch. The flat, unribbed part between the ribs and the rear fender is a couple inches longer than that of the driver side. That's what makes me so confused. But I agree with you that I'll do what I can to make it work. Cheers,
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,205
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From: Burbank, WA
Still not uncommon. I've seen that before on other models and years, as well.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
measured my running boards from tip to tip, back to back are within 1/4 inch, from what i`ve seen on lots of these trucks your lucky if any part is the same dimension, fit and finish was not on their high priority list in those days, if it dosen`t fit properly you`ll have to modify it!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 71
From: Elk River, MN
I just measured my Dennis Carpenter reproduction running boards. The passenger side ribs have 3/8" more flat surface in front of the rear fender than the drivers side. The rib height is not the same for all the ribs on either side. When mounting step plates, I had to use nylon washers to shim the plates so they did not rock on the highest rib. When I complained to Dennis Carpenter, they told me they use original factory tooling to make the boards and the tooling is getting a little long in the tooth.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 15
From: Wichita, KS
I agree that the fit and finish was not great "back in the day". If you want them to match, however, it shouldn't be all that difficult to add a couple of inches of ribs on one side. Or take out a bit on the other. Then just make the flat portions match.
Dave
Dave
