Step Plates?

[Phred]

Is there or was there a practical purpose for the "step plates" that are seen on the running boards on many of the cars, or are they just a "dress up" item?
Peace to all.

[Model A Man]

I have them on my coupe. I don't care for them but they were on there when I bought the coupe. I am guessing it stops the rubber running board mat from wearing out where a person would step getting in and out of the car

[Tom Wesenberg]

Years ago I bought a very nice pair of repro step plates for my 1929 Chevy. I couldn't decide if I wanted to drill 4 small holes in each of the good original running boards, but after 6 months or more I finally mounted them.

Sure do wish I hadn't done that!

To answer your question, they do save some rubber mat wear, and some step plates, like on my 1927 Dodge, have a raised shoe scraper edge to remove mud before climbing into the car.

[Charlie Stephens]

My guess would be that they were usually added later to cover up the worn out rubber. Sure makes it easier to know where to mount them. Personally, I prefer the worn out rubber (otherwise known as "patina").

Charlie Stephens

[kenparker]

I have a set of them thangs on my 28 Pickup. kinda kool 'cause nobybody else has them on a pickup. ken

[denis4x4]

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Originally Posted by kenparker

I have a set of them thangs on my 28 Pickup. kinda kool 'cause nobybody else has them on a pickup. ken

I have them on my 1929 extended cab truck. Somebody posted a picture several years ago of step plates that had a Denver dealer logo on them. Offered an obscene amount of money, but guy wouldn't sell them as they had sentimental value.

[CWPASADENA]

Some people like them but personally, I like the looks of the car with out them.

Just my opinion.

Chris

[Canuck]

I asked the same question a few years ago
answer i got was the rubber was slippery when wet,, the plates helped us stay shinny side up (i'm bald) and not on our keester

[glenn in camino]

I put them on my 28 tudor when I first finished it's restoration many years ago. I redid the runningboards a few years ago and didn't put them back on. I like plain Model As.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by kenparker

I have a set of them thangs on my 28 Pickup. kinda kool 'cause nobybody else has them on a pickup. ken

<-------They were on my PU when I bought it, never thought twice about them not belonging there.

[brum1]

Plates intended to minimize wear- Have seen unrestored vehicles with worn out spots in that area

[modelAtony]

phred . I don't have them on my 31 tudor but i have them on my 29 roadster. I have received a few bumps from people getting in and out of my cars. People that aren't familiar with getting in and out of a mode lA have a tendency to bump their heel of shoes getting out. I have seen that this is the greatest advantage for having them. have fun modelA tony lafayette,la

[85930tudor]

I have them on my tudor . but they are coming off . just dont look rite...Dave

[Red Mark]

I bought some & never mounted them. Where they look better centered to the door, it's not where I naturally place my foot.

[Chris in WNC]

[QUOTE=Tom Wesenberg;219953]
Sure do wish I hadn't done that!
[QUOTE]

take them off.
that's one of the first things I did when we bought our Town Sedan.
some day I may fill the little holes with black caulk, but they are very inconspicuous....

[FL&WVMIKE]

There is no need to "Gild the Lilly" !
MIKE

[Milton]

Originally Posted by Phred

Is there or was there a practical purpose for the "step plates" that are seen on the running boards on many of the cars, or are they just a "dress up" item?
Peace to all.

Properly positioned they allowed people to scape their shoe soles off before getting in the car.