The Ford Barn

Ken Ehrenhofer · 11-03-2010, 10:22 PM

Hi everyone,
I want to put together a list of people who want to purchase the Rootlieb 1931 reproduction running boards. If you are not aware, they have stopped making these boards

and will only make another run if we have a purchase of 100 sets or more.

This means we need to put a list together and if we meet the 100 minimum we will probably have to make arrangments for your payment to get to Rootlieb.
I will start to keep the list if those interested will send me their names Phone numbers, e-mails and how many sets they would like.
I currently have about 10 sets spoken for in the Chicago area and will solicite for more in the near future if this looks like a good idea to everyone.
I know I will buy 2 sets myself and others in a previous post showed some interest.

I do not think getting to 100 will be difficult and I will act as the contact point to get it accomplished. I will not do this to make any money I just want to get this great product back on the market.

Brent Terry said he has spoken to Rootlieb and 100 sets is the minimum production run required.

So please ask your fellow club members and friends and see how many would like to purchase a set and I will keep the list if you send me names and quantities.

If we reach 100 then we will ask for some type of payment in full made out to Rootlieb for this product. We will work out the details of payment after we reach 100 on the list. I will also contact the Model A parts dealers to see if they will put in some inventory to help reach the number.
So please send me:

Your name
your phone number
your e-mail address
Quantity of sets wanted

I will keep everyone posted on the Ford Barn as to how the numbers are going. Here is hoping we can get some more made,
Thanks to all,
Ken
Please spread the word!
815-337-4656 leave message if no answer with info
[email protected]

sonny30coupe · 11-03-2010, 10:25 PM

what kind of money are we looking at? I take it these are a great reproduction the way everyone talks about them.

Roadster62 · 11-03-2010, 10:26 PM

Sounds like a great idea, what is the price per set?

henry494 · 11-03-2010, 11:12 PM

Ken,

We really do need a close ballpark figure. Even though I don't own a '31, you never know. For that reason, if the price is reasonable, I may want to be on that original list of 100 so that I've got a pair stashed.

Dave Lopes

Roadster62 · 11-03-2010, 11:57 PM

Are these the boards Snyder's lists for $410.00 a pair?

peters180a/170b · 11-04-2010, 06:12 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

GREAT IDEA and thank you Ken. I have a few guy's looking and i'll call them today... Hope it turns out for a go. Anyway if its a go can BoB Burdick supply with his ZINC outside running board trim???

Mike V. Florida · 11-04-2010, 06:32 AM

I don't have bottomless pockets so if they are a couple of hundred, yes; a couple of thousand, no!

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-04-2010, 07:39 AM

While I cannot give a definitive price, I will tell you that part of the reason why they were discontinued is the price of the labor to install the mat (semi-correctly) had risen to where Tom felt it was cost prohibitive to continue production. The retail pricing was about $400 a set and I would imagine if there is another run of those, there will be no wholesale deal and the retail will probably be between $400 -$500 a set. I realize that puts this in a range that is unaffordable for some, ...and that is OK and no guilt should be felt. If we can indeed pull this off, it will be more of a specialty run and probably a one-time deal.

Peter, I would be for seeing if we can get these boards minus the Rootlieb trim and order/install Bob's trim seperately.

Let me close by offering two other thoughts. A friend of mine & I were chatting one day and he told me that he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now even though he is not ready to begin restoring those cars simply because you never know when production on some of these items will cease due to economics or the owner retiring. The "best quality available" running boards are a great example of this. The 2nd thought is if there is someone out there reading this who is wanting to earn some extra income, this is another one of those situations where there is a small niche market for someone to fill. It will take some creativity on their part but several of us can help with the networking connecting that person up to key people who make the running board, and the matting, and the trim.

Roadster62 · 11-04-2010, 08:09 AM

Is this a two step problem? Making the board and installing the mat? Could the board & mat be sold as a kit?

denis4x4 · 11-04-2010, 08:14 AM

Brent said:
"Let me close by offering two other thoughts. A friend of mine & I were chatting one day and he told me that he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now even though he is not ready to begin restoring those cars simply because you never know when production on some of these items will cease due to economics or the owner retiring. The "best quality available" running boards are a great example of this."

I noticed that Charlie Yapp had a blurb in the latest SSOS that he was going to discontinue certain items due to the economy. I suspect that this will, in turn, push up the price on original A parts.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-04-2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadster62

Is this a two step problem? Making the board and installing the mat? Could the board & mat be sold as a kit?

The problem is they were originally vulcanized on. The boards that Rootlieb sell/sold were more authentic looking and more of the correct gauge than the ones that A.A.S. makes and most vendors sell.

MBI Houston · 11-04-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

I will tell you that part of the reason why they were discontinued is the price of the labor to install the mat (semi-correctly) had risen to where Tom felt it was cost prohibitive to continue production.

Can someone explain why this process is so labor intensive. Was this a manufacturing issue for Henry? Thanks for the enlightenment on the manufacturing process.

IrishHills · 11-04-2010, 08:50 AM

I had to give up on Rootlieb, Snyders said they been out of the 31 commercials all summer, rootlieb lost the guy that ran the press and couldn't find anyone that knew how. I orded a set from Brattons and I'm happy, I see nothing wrong with them and they are heavy gauge!!

glenn in camino · 11-04-2010, 09:15 AM

Who else makes a descent set of 31 runningboards. I'm building a nice tour car and will not be having it judged.

Ken Ehrenhofer · 11-04-2010, 10:25 AM

OK, these are the Rootlieb 31 Boards and the rubber is vulcanized onto the board with small dimples coming thru many holes in the bottom. They were the best repro ever made for the 1931 Model A. Are they expensive? Yes! Brent is probably right at about $400 to $500 per set. I suppose we can contact rootlieb and order with or without the molding??? But we need to ask that question.
This is in the planning stage right now! If you put your name on the list you will be notified of the price and delivery before you send in your money.
As of this AM I have recieved requests for 16 sets from Ford Barners.
I also need at least 5 sets more for friends in Chicago and myself.
So the number is already over 20 sets and it will go higher as the word gets out.
Please spread the word!
And thanks to those that listed.
Remember these are not cheap boards but they are the best quality ever made since Ford made them in the factory,
Remember I am not selling these boards I just need two sets for my cars and I am just putting the list together for all of us.
The Ford Barn is great because it gives us the opportunity to do this kind of name gathering quickly and inexpensively,
I have not yet contacted all the dealers so I am sure we will get more numbers from them.
I will also put this request in the National magazines,
Thanks,
Ken

Bruce Lancaster · 11-04-2010, 11:49 AM

"...he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now..."
That is a GOOD move! A lot of detail parts and better versions of things are disappearing, I think because a lot of the market is now to streetrodder who don't have the same needs.

Roadster62 · 11-04-2010, 07:57 PM

Ken, I don't think it would hurt posting your request for names over on the HAMB. Sure, it is a Hot Rod site, but some people are rebuilding period cars and want things perfect.

glenn in camino · 11-04-2010, 09:06 PM

If it doesn't take too long I'd like to have a set too. Put me on the list and let me know when you need payment. I'll probably need them sometime next Spring. Thanks for getting this together.
Glenn Johnson
32 Rancho Del Sol
Camino, Calif. 95709
530-644-1250
[email protected]

John LaVoy · 11-04-2010, 09:47 PM

Put me down for a set.

John LaVoy
[email protected]

Ken Ehrenhofer · 11-04-2010, 11:53 PM

Just an update as we are now at 25 sets of running boards. That is 25% of our goal.

Thanks to all let's keep spreading the word,
Ken

11-03-2010, 10:22 PM	#1
Ken Ehrenhofer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodstock, Illinois Posts: 597	Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Hi everyone, I want to put together a list of people who want to purchase the Rootlieb 1931 reproduction running boards. If you are not aware, they have stopped making these boards and will only make another run if we have a purchase of 100 sets or more. This means we need to put a list together and if we meet the 100 minimum we will probably have to make arrangments for your payment to get to Rootlieb. I will start to keep the list if those interested will send me their names Phone numbers, e-mails and how many sets they would like. I currently have about 10 sets spoken for in the Chicago area and will solicite for more in the near future if this looks like a good idea to everyone. I know I will buy 2 sets myself and others in a previous post showed some interest. I do not think getting to 100 will be difficult and I will act as the contact point to get it accomplished. I will not do this to make any money I just want to get this great product back on the market. Brent Terry said he has spoken to Rootlieb and 100 sets is the minimum production run required. So please ask your fellow club members and friends and see how many would like to purchase a set and I will keep the list if you send me names and quantities. If we reach 100 then we will ask for some type of payment in full made out to Rootlieb for this product. We will work out the details of payment after we reach 100 on the list. I will also contact the Model A parts dealers to see if they will put in some inventory to help reach the number. So please send me: Your name your phone number your e-mail address Quantity of sets wanted I will keep everyone posted on the Ford Barn as to how the numbers are going. Here is hoping we can get some more made, Thanks to all, Ken Please spread the word! 815-337-4656 leave message if no answer with info [email protected]

11-03-2010, 10:25 PM	#2
sonny30coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas City KS Posts: 255	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards what kind of money are we looking at? I take it these are a great reproduction the way everyone talks about them.

11-03-2010, 10:26 PM	#3
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,450	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Sounds like a great idea, what is the price per set?

11-03-2010, 11:12 PM	#4
henry494 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Simi Valley, California Posts: 193	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Ken, We really do need a close ballpark figure. Even though I don't own a '31, you never know. For that reason, if the price is reasonable, I may want to be on that original list of 100 so that I've got a pair stashed. Dave Lopes

11-03-2010, 11:57 PM	#5
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,450	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Are these the boards Snyder's lists for $410.00 a pair?

11-04-2010, 06:12 AM	#6
peters180a/170b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Putnam Valley N.Y. Posts: 2,151	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) GREAT IDEA and thank you Ken. I have a few guy's looking and i'll call them today... Hope it turns out for a go. Anyway if its a go can BoB Burdick supply with his ZINC outside running board trim??? Last edited by peters180a/170b; 11-04-2010 at 06:57 AM.

11-04-2010, 06:32 AM	#7
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards I don't have bottomless pockets so if they are a couple of hundred, yes; a couple of thousand, no! __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

11-04-2010, 07:39 AM	#8
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 12,248	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards While I cannot give a definitive price, I will tell you that part of the reason why they were discontinued is the price of the labor to install the mat (semi-correctly) had risen to where Tom felt it was cost prohibitive to continue production. The retail pricing was about $400 a set and I would imagine if there is another run of those, there will be no wholesale deal and the retail will probably be between $400 -$500 a set. I realize that puts this in a range that is unaffordable for some, ...and that is OK and no guilt should be felt. If we can indeed pull this off, it will be more of a specialty run and probably a one-time deal. Peter, I would be for seeing if we can get these boards minus the Rootlieb trim and order/install Bob's trim seperately. Let me close by offering two other thoughts. A friend of mine & I were chatting one day and he told me that he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now even though he is not ready to begin restoring those cars simply because you never know when production on some of these items will cease due to economics or the owner retiring. The "best quality available" running boards are a great example of this. The 2nd thought is if there is someone out there reading this who is wanting to earn some extra income, this is another one of those situations where there is a small niche market for someone to fill. It will take some creativity on their part but several of us can help with the networking connecting that person up to key people who make the running board, and the matting, and the trim. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

11-04-2010, 08:09 AM	#9
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,450	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Is this a two step problem? Making the board and installing the mat? Could the board & mat be sold as a kit?

11-04-2010, 08:14 AM	#10
denis4x4 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Durango CO Posts: 1,348	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Brent said: "Let me close by offering two other thoughts. A friend of mine & I were chatting one day and he told me that he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now even though he is not ready to begin restoring those cars simply because you never know when production on some of these items will cease due to economics or the owner retiring. The "best quality available" running boards are a great example of this." I noticed that Charlie Yapp had a blurb in the latest SSOS that he was going to discontinue certain items due to the economy. I suspect that this will, in turn, push up the price on original A parts.

11-04-2010, 08:50 AM	#13
IrishHills Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Brooklyn, Michigan "Home of M.I.S." Posts: 399	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards I had to give up on Rootlieb, Snyders said they been out of the 31 commercials all summer, rootlieb lost the guy that ran the press and couldn't find anyone that knew how. I orded a set from Brattons and I'm happy, I see nothing wrong with them and they are heavy gauge!!

11-04-2010, 09:15 AM	#14
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Who else makes a descent set of 31 runningboards. I'm building a nice tour car and will not be having it judged.

11-04-2010, 10:25 AM	#15
Ken Ehrenhofer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodstock, Illinois Posts: 597	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards OK, these are the Rootlieb 31 Boards and the rubber is vulcanized onto the board with small dimples coming thru many holes in the bottom. They were the best repro ever made for the 1931 Model A. Are they expensive? Yes! Brent is probably right at about $400 to $500 per set. I suppose we can contact rootlieb and order with or without the molding??? But we need to ask that question. This is in the planning stage right now! If you put your name on the list you will be notified of the price and delivery before you send in your money. As of this AM I have recieved requests for 16 sets from Ford Barners. I also need at least 5 sets more for friends in Chicago and myself. So the number is already over 20 sets and it will go higher as the word gets out. Please spread the word! And thanks to those that listed. Remember these are not cheap boards but they are the best quality ever made since Ford made them in the factory, Remember I am not selling these boards I just need two sets for my cars and I am just putting the list together for all of us. The Ford Barn is great because it gives us the opportunity to do this kind of name gathering quickly and inexpensively, I have not yet contacted all the dealers so I am sure we will get more numbers from them. I will also put this request in the National magazines, Thanks, Ken Last edited by Ken Ehrenhofer; 11-04-2010 at 10:48 AM.

11-04-2010, 11:49 AM	#16
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards "...he has started to buy the high-quality & specialty parts for his cars now..." That is a GOOD move! A lot of detail parts and better versions of things are disappearing, I think because a lot of the market is now to streetrodder who don't have the same needs.

11-04-2010, 07:57 PM	#17
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,450	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Ken, I don't think it would hurt posting your request for names over on the HAMB. Sure, it is a Hot Rod site, but some people are rebuilding period cars and want things perfect.

11-04-2010, 09:06 PM	#18
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards If it doesn't take too long I'd like to have a set too. Put me on the list and let me know when you need payment. I'll probably need them sometime next Spring. Thanks for getting this together. Glenn Johnson 32 Rancho Del Sol Camino, Calif. 95709 530-644-1250 [email protected]

11-04-2010, 09:47 PM	#19
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Put me down for a set. John LaVoy [email protected]

11-04-2010, 11:53 PM	#20
Ken Ehrenhofer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodstock, Illinois Posts: 597	Re: Do you want to buy 31 Rootlieb Running Boards Just an update as we are now at 25 sets of running boards. That is 25% of our goal. Thanks to all let's keep spreading the word, Ken