My 39 Chev project came with running boards that previous owners apparently used to drive over into and thru anything they could find. Is there someone out there who can provide me with a template for what the outer edge of the running board profile is supposed to look like. I made a tool and die from what I thought was an uncompromised section but as I progressed along the edge it seemed to be creating some distortion. After making more measurements in other damaged areas I made a second tool and die set but it also doesn't seem like it's quite right. I'm trying not to create more damage but I'm at a loss as to how to get the right profile and even if the profile is the same for the whole length of the boards. I haven't been able to find anyone locally with a 39 that I can check against.
There was a guy on Saltspring Island that had the motherlode of 39 Chevy stuff. His name was/is Bruce Smith. I'm not even sure if he is still around anymore. He had a business called south end frame and fender. I got some 39 stuff from him about 15-20 years ago.....might be worth a look.
Thanks. I think I might even have had contact with him 20 something years ago but lost any info I had on how to find him again. I'm still hoping there maybe someone even closer that I could go and make a template off of their boards and see whether that character line is even the same over the whole length. I know my boards can be straightenend if I have the chance to make the right tool. At any rate Google says that South End Frame and Fender still exists so thanks for that.
The line on the edge is the same front to back. About 1 inch. The radius where it changes top to side changes front to back. Flatter on the back. I put gl*** boards on my car.
Just want to make sure I'm on the same page with what you're telling me. I'm attaching a drawing of what the profile appeared to be at the front of the right running board and then about 2 feet back from there. The radius, which is I believe the same one you are referring to, does seem to be changing. However the distance of the profile line seems to be changing as well. With so much damage it's hard to tell what is happening for sure. I'm trying to upload a couple of pictures so you can see what I'm working with but it doesn't seem to be working. I'll try that again later.
This system is pretty fussy. All my photos were .JPG and the site wouldn't see them until I changed them to .jpg First photo is the original tool & die. Second photo is how much damage there is to the right board. Third photo shows both boards.
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