Running Boards ? Pics

I stripped my running boards of the old rubber it was real bad.
They still look real ruff. What are folks using for covers?
I found some covers for $550 But thats a little high for me right now.
Or should they just be smoothed and painted?
If I paint them. It looks like I'll need to make some
filler panels since the rubber went about an inch
over each end and an inch high to meet the body
the full length of the board.
Any ideas or pics would be great ...
Thanks Jdee

 

I was having the same dilemma with my '40 Chrysler. I bought a pickup truck rubber bed mat, and I'm going to be cutting a pattern out of it and cementing it onto my running boards. Did it on a Model A once and it turned out nice, not sure how original it's going to look on the '40, but it only cost me $29 on Egay for a new, blemished one shipped to my door. I searched for a while to come up with a solution but that's as good as I could come up with. I'll post pics when they're done, hopefully in a couple days. Nice car, by the way.

 

Back before repro mats were available, lots of guys bought the ribbed rubber universal matting from a rubber supply house. Take your time and it'll look fine and actually be period for an old hot rod. Take your time and get the ribs aligned with the outer edge of the boards.

 

painted mine

 

Call some trim shops that de-do vinyl tops on Cadillacs, Le Barons, etc. and get them covered with vinyl top material. Probably can get a "streak" pattern similar to old Ford top inserts that would look good.
Or, If you happem to be doing a 60's style custom, get them tuck & rolled to match the seats.

 

I've been thinking about spraying mine with undercoating or rhino liner. Something with a low sheen and durable. Maybe rolling some beads on a flat panel and tacking it on top first.

 

I had some white piramid rubber snowhite? from a marine supply house that I thought would look good as running board mat

 

Thanks a lot for all the ideas, the ribbed rubber universal matting sounds like what I need. I'll post some pics when I get them done...
Nice Flames Roddin28 is that gold leaf?
Jdee

 

My Dad had that ribbed rubber on the boards of the 36 ford. I thought it was stock, it looked so good.
I actually like it better than the repros.