Suggestions for removing rubber from running boards

I gotta re-use my running boards for the time being, but the rubber is cracked and peeling off in some areas. Any suggestions on how to get the vulcanized rubber off the steel?

 

The tried & true method is a propane torch and a wide bladed putty knife. Stinky and messy, a hotrodder's dream!

 

It's a bear of a job - takes time and patience - lots of both. Chisel or s****er and hammer. Maybe soften it up with Aircraft stripper first, for about ten minutes - wear gloves, watch your eyes, wear good eye protection - goggles are best.

Good luck!

 

Heat it up with a torch, the back side of the running board, comes right off. Thats how I did mine.

 

Heat it with a propane tourch with a spreader tip, use wide puddy knife. It stinks . Finish with a grinder or da sander. Clean with solvent, and prime with etching primer. In order to make your covers fit and look good ,do finish body work to make boards flawless, any marks ,dips ,waives etc will show thru. It is one of the ****piest jobs in the hole car project.

 

The boards themselves are surface rusted and will be pitted after the rubber comes off, I just want it smooth enough paint with rust convertor/bedliner paint, and I'll be putting snap-on pleated vinyl covers that match the interior.

 

When I did my 36 it was not all that bad. Little heat and a strong putty knife.

 

Mine were really bad. Surprisingly the propane torch and a thin 1" s****per took them right off.

 

Get the top layer off then have them sandblasted.
How about a 4" chisel blade on an air hammer, run it at a conservative air setting.
If you've ever seen a slam s****er for removing linoleum, that could also be useful if you can secure the running board with room to work.

 

I use a heavy duty heat gun. Although a little slower, it works well and avoids open flame.