Is there a difference between the short bed and longbed running boards? I am only seeing one length of aftermarket running boards.

 

Yes, they are different lengths.

The aftermarket short running boards will not work on a long bed truck with the longer running boards. I don't know of anybody who makes aftermarket long bed running boards.

Basically the entire bed is different. I know that Mar-K products in OK city, OK makes long bed sized tailgates, bed strips, wood, and the front panel.

I'd keep my eyes on ebay for the long bed running boards. I've seen entire long bed assemblies for sale when guys are ditching a long bed in favor of the more popular short bed.
I like the long bed, but I still use my truck for haulin' stuff.

Welcome to FTE, by the way.

 

Thanks for the info, I was pretty sure by eyeballing the short bed trucks that they weren't the same. Looks like I will be welding and grinding.

 

I've searched everywhere for longbed running boards and no luck. I'm just going to have to make my best attempt at repairing the old ones or make some custom ones.

Mike

 

Yep, looks like a dead end. I have some rust through on the drivers side boards and both have been introduced to hard immovable objects sometime in the past. Of course, physics works...metal bends. I have entertained the thought of buying short boards and then grafting an "extension" from a good section. Then fill and grind the misaligned holes and drill new mounting holes. Of course, I may wish to learn how to weld first...

 

You can try Bruce Horkey for a set of used. I almost got a set of long bed sides from him a while back, but I found an entire truck for a little more than the cost of the sides and shipping etc... a lot closer to home. The problem with used running boards is the same problem you are having now. I guess that's why the long bed guys get creative with wood boards etc...

 

I have a set of 1951 F3 8' running boards that are not perfect but in solid repairable condition if anyone is interested they can e-mail me direct at gfw2wa(at)gwtc(dot)net for pictures. Been for sale for a long time and maybe nobody seen them. Only asking $75 + shipping (greyhound most likely). I guess I am not allowed to post attachments here.

fifty2f1
george