The Ford Barn

Steve Plucker · 03-21-2020, 08:02 AM

Trying to find good running boards for my wife's July 1928 Open Cab Pickup is like finding hens teeth.

That being said...how is the quality and appearance of Rootlieb's (in Turlock, CA) running boards compaired to the original?

I know the two brackets that are spot welded to the bottom of the running boards are questionable...thinking about spot welding originals on if I decide to get a pair.

Thanks.

Pluck

Kurt in NJ · 03-21-2020, 09:30 AM

I bought a set of their 31 boards, the next step down in quality is a long way down from them

rotorwrench · 03-21-2020, 10:48 AM

Most metal products available as reproductions do require some work to get them as close to original as possible. If they are the correct size, thickness of material, and formed pretty close to original then half the battle is won. I've replaced more than a few clips and reinforcements with my own fabrications or original piece parts due to poor quality and attachment.

Dan Partain · 03-21-2020, 11:04 AM

The 28-29 Rootlieb boards are very good quality, including the mounting brackets. They fit, and look good. I haven't used the 30-31 boards.
One difference you will find in the Rootlieb boards as compared to the originals is that there is a reinforcement bracket that runs lengthwise along the runningboard between the mounting brackets. This is the same reinforcement strip you will find on the runningboards used on the cars. The original runningboards on the pickups did not have this reinforcement strip. I can send photos to you of a pair of Rootlieb boards I have on one of my pickups if you want to see them.

Gary Karr · 03-21-2020, 12:25 PM

I have actually seen NOS 28/29 commercial boards at Hershey with the reinforcement bracket running lengthwise. I have a set of NOS boards without the bracket as Dan explains. I'm not sure when the change was made to ad the reinforcement brackets.

john in illinois · 03-22-2020, 08:44 AM

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I have a Rootlieb hood top on my roadster and it fit like a glove out of the box. . I also bought a Rootlieb Model T gas tank which seems to be good quality. I think they are a quality company. If you call them with questions they are helpful. Might give them a call.

John

Joe K · 03-22-2020, 09:09 AM

Plus 1 on the Rootlieb reinforcement. Obviously put there for a reason "back in the day." My original boards WERE sway backed a bit on the driver's side. So I will be leaving the reinforcement.

Call it OEM aftermarket. Sort of like Tillotson XF.

Joe K

03-21-2020, 08:02 AM	#1
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Rootlieb vs quality Trying to find good running boards for my wife's July 1928 Open Cab Pickup is like finding hens teeth. That being said...how is the quality and appearance of Rootlieb's (in Turlock, CA) running boards compaired to the original? I know the two brackets that are spot welded to the bottom of the running boards are questionable...thinking about spot welding originals on if I decide to get a pair. Thanks. Pluck

03-21-2020, 09:30 AM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Rootlieb vs quality I bought a set of their 31 boards, the next step down in quality is a long way down from them

03-21-2020, 10:48 AM	#3
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,425	Re: Rootlieb vs quality Most metal products available as reproductions do require some work to get them as close to original as possible. If they are the correct size, thickness of material, and formed pretty close to original then half the battle is won. I've replaced more than a few clips and reinforcements with my own fabrications or original piece parts due to poor quality and attachment.

03-21-2020, 11:04 AM	#4
Dan Partain Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hangtown, CA Posts: 556	Re: Rootlieb vs quality The 28-29 Rootlieb boards are very good quality, including the mounting brackets. They fit, and look good. I haven't used the 30-31 boards. One difference you will find in the Rootlieb boards as compared to the originals is that there is a reinforcement bracket that runs lengthwise along the runningboard between the mounting brackets. This is the same reinforcement strip you will find on the runningboards used on the cars. The original runningboards on the pickups did not have this reinforcement strip. I can send photos to you of a pair of Rootlieb boards I have on one of my pickups if you want to see them.

03-21-2020, 12:25 PM	#5
Gary Karr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,486	Re: Rootlieb vs quality I have actually seen NOS 28/29 commercial boards at Hershey with the reinforcement bracket running lengthwise. I have a set of NOS boards without the bracket as Dan explains. I'm not sure when the change was made to ad the reinforcement brackets.

03-22-2020, 08:44 AM	#6
john in illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,183	Re: Rootlieb vs quality Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a Rootlieb hood top on my roadster and it fit like a glove out of the box. . I also bought a Rootlieb Model T gas tank which seems to be good quality. I think they are a quality company. If you call them with questions they are helpful. Might give them a call. John __________________ Welcome each day

03-22-2020, 09:09 AM	#7
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Rootlieb vs quality Plus 1 on the Rootlieb reinforcement. Obviously put there for a reason "back in the day." My original boards WERE sway backed a bit on the driver's side. So I will be leaving the reinforcement. Call it OEM aftermarket. Sort of like Tillotson XF. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.