48 F-1 running board configuration

[DD931]

I have an early '48 F-1. I have taken the running boards off for refurbishment and find that they are noticeably different that the ones being sold as replacements by the usual reliable vendors (Drake, Carpenter, etc.). Mine are attached to the two underlying brackets, the fenders on each end and then have a long flat extension that goes over to and is bolted to the side of the frame. The repos don't have any attachment to the frame and stop at the edge of the body but are not connected. Would some of you F-1 folks go take a look, please? I'm trying to figure out if Henry made a change, or are the repo folks just using less steel? Mine seem stronger!! Comments welcome!!

[alanwoodieman]

can you post a picture? I may have a set like them that I acquired with a bunch of other parts--will post a picture today

[alanwoodieman]

quit raining and I got a couple of pictures showing differences in running boards I was going to cut off the "extra" part as the rest of the board is restorable. I do have a pair

[FortyNiner]

Yes, there is a difference between the originals and repops. I'm unclear if the design change originated at the factory. Considering how faithfully Carpenter recreates parts, I'll trust that Henry II made the change.

If the braces are fitted correctly, there shouldn't be any issue with functionality.

[DD931]

OK - here are some pics. This is the passenger side. Woodie - Do both of yours have the side "extension"? Sorry the pics aren't better!!

[Ken Crans]

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I like those boards better than repops... If they are restorable,use them.

[49r]

My New Zealand (Canadian built but assembled in NZ) '49 F1 running boards have the 'long flat extension'. My running boards aren't in good shape so 20 years ago I purchased some NOS USA ones from a NZ vendor which don't have the extension - identical to the repro ones today. Perhaps then both sorts were original manufacture at some point.
Haven't got around to fitting them yet, but when I do will add the extensions to keep things original to my pickup.

[GreenMonster48]

I had those boards on my 48, but unfortunately non-salvageable. My guess is that the change was made in late 50 or '51 to accommodate for the US Gov's steel needs during the Korean Conflict. Total speculation here though.

[FortyNiner]

Not sure of the driver for the change, I would also expect that cost came into play. During that same 1950 model year, the bed sides became straight (from the original embossed style) and the beds shifted from steel to wood.

[alanwoodieman]

since I have earlier trucks (40/41) I believe that they were made more like those boards, then they (Ford) discovered that they did not need the extra bracing that the wide upper part afforded and being as NO mfg. uses more than necessary they excluded that part. My 48 late production does not even have the frame holes for them

[Ross F-1]

I don't see what purpose the extra depth provided?

I didn't think they bolted to the frame?

[DD931]

Yes, they bolt to the frame!! With very rusty frozen bolts, by the way!!

[gearhead1952]

Yes the boards with extra are from trucks 48-50. Have not seen them on the 51-52 trucks I have had.

[DD931]

Looking closer, I see that the bottoms of the front fenders can be pulled away from the body of the cab without the running boards installed. That would argue in favor of having them bolted over to the frame!! Perhaps there are additional bolts holding the fenders with the "newer" configuration.

[Barry-ct]

Ford lists the boards under the same part number as 7C 16450-F and 7C 16451-F for 48-52. Yet I have only seen the wide boards on 48-50. My parts book is the 48-54 edition.

[alanwoodieman]

there is a spacer of sorts between the front fender/frame/running board on my truck, is there one on the earlier boards?

[DD931]

I don't see anything like that on mine.

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

there is a spacer of sorts between the front fender/frame/running board on my truck, is there one on the earlier boards?

Are you talking about a rubber piece?

[alanwoodieman]

not a rubber piece but a piece of sheetmetal.

[Ross F-1]

All years have that piece, it closes off the running board upper surface from the undercarriage and splash from the wheels. (Hard to see because it's all black)