Technical Running board bolts

Good morning, I have been looking for a source for running board bolts for my 1947 ford truck. I've looked online and this morning I called Dennis Carpenter's. They were extremely polite and tried to be helpful and the gentleman gave me the part number for a running board kit. I immediately went online to place an order and when I entered the part number the description came back as a 193? To 1947 car. I looked at the photos of the listed part and although somewhat similar, were not the same as what I need for my truck. What I would like to know, are the bolts for a 1947 car and a truck actually the same and maybe the description picture was just generic? Or do the cars and trucks have different hardware? Thanks. Also this is a pic I found, but is what my bolts should look like. They have a much bigger carriage head to thread profile.

 

Couldn't find what you are looking for. You might try posting on the fordbarn site to see if the restorers have any ideas.

Here is the site link with more photos of what you are trying to find:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1654077-1947-1-2-ton-running-board-bolts.html

 

These look shorter? But...
https://www.ecklers.com/running-boa...d-to-frame-5-16-24-x-3-4-ford-32-17513-1.html
Mac's lists these?
https://www.macsautoparts.com/runni...d-to-frame-5-16-24-x-3-4-ford-47-17513-1.html

 

Thank you, I'll try that.

 

Thanks, I'll check into that.

 

I just used regular carriage bolts from ACE Hardware on my '32 pickup running boards, but there is a slotted area under the board and they don't go through the board itself . HRP

 

Yes Sir, I've been thinking that a might have to use regular bolts, but with the size bolts it would take on my truck I would have to drill my brackets and and the bottom of the running boards out to 1/2 inch from 5/16 inch. These trucks have a stepped shank.

 

Those particular running board bolts are unobtanium.
They will have to be made or the running boards can be slightly modified to use a carriage or button head bolt.
PM inbound BIG Mike.

 

I was kind of scared of that, but also preparing myself just in case. Thanks

 

https://www.earlyfordstore.com/collections/1942-1946-1947-ford-truck-parts These guys say they have used parts? Maybe check with them or something similar. How many bolts do you need. With a lot of work, you could get larger bolts, turn down the head diameter, turn down the smooth step then re-thread the shank to your thread size. Or find someone with a CNC machine.

 

Thanks, I will check on that this afternoon.

 

Look for "elevator bolts" at a good bolt supply source.
These are for the bucket elevators that lift grain or other loose material up.

 

Thank you, those look promising with that big head. I'll check it out this evening.

 

They do have larger heads than carriage bolts, but most of those I have seen are pretty flat on top, not rounded like carriage bolts.

 

If you want a rounded head, like a carriage bolt, but with a wider head, look for "step bolts".

 

I will check that right now. thank you

 

Now I have to go look at how Ford running boards bolt on On the 47/54 Chevy the bolts slide into a slot on the bottom side of the board and the head doesn't show though the board. Never assume. Finding a 47 FORD running board on the net the heads show on top of the board. That's my smack head moment for the day. It's going to need to be the right size square on the shank along with preferably a round head with no marks.

 

The Fords 42-47, I believe, have a large hole in the top of the board. The bolts are stepped so that the clamping force is applied more to the bottom of the board so as no to crush the top. The top of the bolt head looks to be the equivalent of about a 1/2 inch carriage head and under the head is a shallow square shoulder and under is a round shoulder that steps down to a 5/16 inch thread. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for you reply.

 

^ Typing at the same time.
On the these trucks the running boards have box channels welded to the bottom. The bolt has a shoulder that presses against the bottom of the box channel, clamping it to the running board brace. Doing it this way avoided crushing the bolt head into the top of the board. So, yeah, they need a specific style bolt to make it work as intended.
Unfortunately, these particular bolts are unobtanium as far as I'm aware.

 

How about trying the place/gent who took over for Ray Naciwitz<sp>he had bolt kits for many early Fords. Someone on the FordBarn should be able to give the contact information.

 

^ I checked with him...nuthing.
What I've done, is to insert a tight fitting strip of nylon into the boxes, filling the void. With the boxes now filled, a button head bolt and washer can be used, without crushing the top of the board. I used stainless hardware and it turned out ok.

 

How close would a bed bolt for a Ford come Ford Pickup Truck Bed Carriage Bolt - Plain Finish - Fine Thread - 1-1/2 Long - | eBay

 

Thanks again. I will have to do something similar when I get to permanently mounting them. I was trying to order bolts ahead of time so I wouldn't be waiting later. Right now I'm just mocking them up with regular 5/16 bolts with flat washers.

 

There are some tough parts to locate on these heaps and very little info.
They've never been as popular as the earlier and later models and are just different enough to cause challenges.
You'll work around it. It's only a hotrod

 

Did you see my post in the what you did on your car today? My truck is not original my rear fenders are 48 and I cut and welded the running boards to fit. I still have a little bodywork to do where the fenders meet the bed but they are looking pretty good so far. I even thought about inserting threads on the plates on the bottom of the running boards and running regular hex bolts or Allen heads from the bottom. Then I could fill and smooth the tops. Maybe maybe not. Its all fun.

 

Looking good. Factory rear fenders.....fagetaboutit.
Keep your eyes peeled for old truck bed utility trailers, you may get lucky.