The Ford Barn

oldskool · 10-19-2011, 09:07 AM

im trying to remove my running boards to install new covers but the bolts holding the running boards are rusted and just turning

is there any access to these nuts that im not aware of. any help appreciated

42ford · 10-19-2011, 09:26 AM

You can use a hole saw to cut a hole in the top side of the rocker box to try to get to the cage nuts. If you do that you can then patch the holes you cut which will be covered by the floor mat.
Dick

416Ford · 10-19-2011, 11:32 AM

I would thing you would prefer to cut the head off the bolt before cutting holes in the rocker.
Once the boards are removed you would need to either find a way to weld or hold the nut from the bottom side and remove the leftover bolt. Option two is to punch the bolts in and replace with new.

Back to your original question " is there any access to these nuts that im not aware of"
Not from the factory.
Dave W

42ford · 10-19-2011, 02:06 PM

These bolts go into cage nuts , if you cut or punch them out, just how do you recomend holding the new bolts on. Have you ever seen a rocker box?

416Ford · 10-19-2011, 06:28 PM

Replaced both sides on my car.
You can weld a nut into the hole if you punch them out or you may be able to install new cage nuts.

41Fordor · 10-19-2011, 08:35 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Depending on your patience and skill level...I had good rockers and cut windows (from the bottom) with a cutoff wheel and welded new stainless steel cage nuts in then welded back up. Not visible once the running board is installed. With the body on the frame the frame rails limit cutting a window from the back side of the rocker

On the B-pillar I just used windows and for a 5/16 U-nut widely available from Mustang vendors

42ford · 10-19-2011, 10:53 PM

It will work from the top or bottom just as well. The bottom is covered by the running board and the top by the floor mat. I just found it easier to work on the top than the bottom. The thing about using cage nuts instead of welding a nut to a hole is when you are installing the running board the cage nuts will allow a little movement to align better

fordor41 · 10-25-2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42ford

It will work from the top or bottom just as well. The bottom is covered by the running board and the top by the floor mat. I just found it easier to work on the top than the bottom. The thing about using cage nuts instead of welding a nut to a hole is when you are installing the running board the cage nuts will allow a little movement to align better

I cut holes above the bad bolt/nut and replacedwith a nut welded to a metal strip. Belt the strip in a "L" shape, lowered into the rocker box and threaded the bolt. use anti-sieze. has worked for 18 yrs. and removed numerous times.

Big Al · 11-11-2011, 03:34 PM

Hi,
as i remember the "l" shaped brackets that hold the running board to the frame are secured with bolts and nuts. Rather than trying to remove the board from the bracket, it might be easier to work on it if the bard is removed trom the car itself. You might consider using all stailless steen hardware. No rust remember, "rustless"
stainless steel will not attach itself to a small magnet. Some so called "stainless" steel has too much steel in it . I hope this helps.

Big al

10-19-2011, 09:07 AM	#1
oldskool Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: shirley ny Posts: 992	running boards 41 ford im trying to remove my running boards to install new covers but the bolts holding the running boards are rusted and just turning is there any access to these nuts that im not aware of. any help appreciated

10-19-2011, 09:26 AM	#2
42ford Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 70	Re: running boards 41 ford You can use a hole saw to cut a hole in the top side of the rocker box to try to get to the cage nuts. If you do that you can then patch the holes you cut which will be covered by the floor mat. Dick

10-19-2011, 11:32 AM	#3
416Ford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MIchigan Posts: 121	Re: running boards 41 ford I would thing you would prefer to cut the head off the bolt before cutting holes in the rocker. Once the boards are removed you would need to either find a way to weld or hold the nut from the bottom side and remove the leftover bolt. Option two is to punch the bolts in and replace with new. Back to your original question " is there any access to these nuts that im not aware of" Not from the factory. Dave W

10-19-2011, 02:06 PM	#4
42ford Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 70	Re: running boards 41 ford These bolts go into cage nuts , if you cut or punch them out, just how do you recomend holding the new bolts on. Have you ever seen a rocker box?

10-19-2011, 06:28 PM	#5
416Ford Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MIchigan Posts: 121	Re: running boards 41 ford Replaced both sides on my car. You can weld a nut into the hole if you punch them out or you may be able to install new cage nuts.

10-19-2011, 08:35 PM	#6
41Fordor Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cheyenne WY Posts: 187	Re: running boards 41 ford Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Depending on your patience and skill level...I had good rockers and cut windows (from the bottom) with a cutoff wheel and welded new stainless steel cage nuts in then welded back up. Not visible once the running board is installed. With the body on the frame the frame rails limit cutting a window from the back side of the rocker On the B-pillar I just used windows and for a 5/16 U-nut widely available from Mustang vendors

10-19-2011, 10:53 PM	#7
42ford Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 70	Re: running boards 41 ford It will work from the top or bottom just as well. The bottom is covered by the running board and the top by the floor mat. I just found it easier to work on the top than the bottom. The thing about using cage nuts instead of welding a nut to a hole is when you are installing the running board the cage nuts will allow a little movement to align better

11-11-2011, 03:34 PM	#9
Big Al Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 81	Re: running boards 41 ford Hi, as i remember the "l" shaped brackets that hold the running board to the frame are secured with bolts and nuts. Rather than trying to remove the board from the bracket, it might be easier to work on it if the bard is removed trom the car itself. You might consider using all stailless steen hardware. No rust remember, "rustless" stainless steel will not attach itself to a small magnet. Some so called "stainless" steel has too much steel in it . I hope this helps. Big al