Recovering 41 ford running boards

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by bill41ford

I am back for some advice on installing Vintique covers on my original reworked and repaired running boards. I have test fit covers and they seem to fit pretty good. My first question about making a smooth surface is , what about the little holes in the original surface? They will get covered up with any type of filler. Also I have seen a couple different suggestions for type of filler and adhesive. Would appreciate some info on these issues. I am going to prep with epoxy primer on the bare metal. Thanks, you guys usually give great ideas and info.
My boards also have raised rectangles across the middle of it - almost looks like the underside of the original covers were made to match these raised areas - do I fill this all in?

Bill,For clarity here, the original boards were vulcanized under pressure and heat, until the raw rubber was cured. Those imperfections present on the original metal surface did not transfer to the exterior surface of the cured rubber, while the holes on the board were filled with the raw rubber as it softened, thereby making adherance tom the boards more secure.
The reproduction rubber boards today are pre-cured, and will show every imperfection of the bonding surface on the topside after installation, including any sloppy application of glue. Simply put, what you see and feel on the metal boards will be seen and felt on the rubber overlay.