Of the thousands of early Ford parts we make, running boards are among the most noticeable parts on early Fords, so they must be strong with flawless, original details.
We treated them as true works of art — and we made them beautiful. But beyond their functionality and good looks, we made sure that these boards will fit perfectly.
These are perfect replicas. Unless you’ve found a pair of original N.O.S. boards, you won’t find anything that can match ours.
The Drake Team guarantees your satisfaction. As early Ford people, we know that only the best will do.
When you install our boards, you’ll appreciate the fact that we made them to FIT! This feature allows the board to correctly mesh with the body for a fit that would meet the standards of the Ford factory.
Seen here is the huge die for transforming 13-gauge sheet-steel stock into our 1939-40 running board inserts which get the rubber vulcanized to the top surface as Ford did.
1) TOOL-STEEL DIES & MOLDS
We first started with the finest new original samples as engineering models, and with the help of Ford Motor Company we were able to acquire working drawings. Then we utilized the latest, most accurate technology for cutting the stamping-dies and the large steel molds required for molding the rubber to achieve perfect replicas of each running board.
2) STEEL INSERTS
No need to send us your old, damaged running boards to recycle the steel insert. Our boards are freshly done with all new steel and rubber.
3) BONDING HOLES IN STEEL
Many customers ask us if the steel has the small holes like the originals and why are the holes necessary. Yes, our steel insert has these small holes which serve as a mechanical bond. Ohio Rubber Company, the original company that supplied Ford with these boards, also used a bonding coating agent on each running board. Our guess is that these early bonding agents weren’t adequate to adhere the rubber to the steel. Today’s bonding is superior, one would have a difficult time removing the bonded rubber.
Undersides on all styles feature factory-style bracing welded in place as original. Our steel is treated with corrosion-restistant plating for extra-long life.
4) STEEL THICKNESS AND BRACES
For the boards, we use the same thickness as Ford’s; 16 gauge steel. For the braces we use a heavy-stock 13 gauge steel. After fitting into a precision jig, the braces are spot welded in place.
5) GENUINE RUBBER MATERIAL
The trade name for the rubber material we use is called EPDM rubber. It has superior resistance to ozone, weather, heat and wear.
6) APPEARANCE
Our original-style surface patterns on each different style of board are perfect. By using the original boards as patterns we were able to copy all the original details. Our boards have the correct look, feel and finish of the real thing with a velvety smooth matte finish.
7) VULCANIZING RUBBER TO STEEL
Once our steel insert is stamped, it’s placed in the tool-steel rubber mold. Raw rubber is layered on top of the steel, then under great pressure and heat it will become detail-molded and vulcanized to the steel. This is the same process the Ford Motor Company used some 80 years ago. Today, it is still the industry standard for vulcanizing rubber to steel. This curing process all takes about 35 min. for one side.
8) COMPETITOR’S URETHANE (PLASTIC) MATERIAL
Unlike another supplier who uses a harder-than-rubber, pour-molded plastic compound to "re-coat" your laboriously-cleaned original steel inserts, Drake's boards are pressure-molded with genuine EPDM rubber, offering true vulcanization which is superior to urethane-based plastics for resistance to scratches and cracking, while matching the original's long lifespan. This produces a bond and surface to match the originals in look, resilience and feel. Your running board surface should look and feel like rubber, not like a bowling ball. You should be able to step on your running boards without worrying about scratches or unsightly damage. Plastic-coated running boards just don't cosmetically hold-up to rubber when stepped on and used the way they were intended to be used.
9) MOUNTING HOLES
All holes are in the exact locations for a perfect Ford fit and are clear of excess rubber for trouble free installation of bolts. We tested the hole pattern against original frames for a perfect fit. Because they were tested on originals, we cannot guarantee to fit every aftermarket frame.
10) PACKAGING
What good is the perfect part if it gets damaged during shipping? We’ve gone overboard here! The running boards are packed into plastic bags, inserted into heavy Styrofoam clam-shell pack, and then placed into a sturdy, corrugated carton. You’ll receive perfect boards!
11) THOUSANDS SOLD
We have sold thousands of each of these boards to very happy customers all over the world, so if you have any problems don’t hesitate to call or write us. We’re here to help you.
12) WARRANTY
Like all our rubber products you have a 3 year guarantee
against defects in material and workmanship.
13) THE DRAKE NAME
Look for the Drake name. We’re very proud of it. That’s why we stamped our name on the bottom of the steel; So you can be assured you are getting the very best.
No original details were left out. Each style features all the correct exterior details molded into the high-grade rubber. All mounting holes are installed in the correct original locations.
Each pair features heavy-gauge die-stamped steel
as original with all the correct details and perfect,
factory fit.
Choose your pair with
or
without RH spare tire well.
50-16450/1 Pair without RH Spare Tire Well.
50-16450/1-W Pair with RH Spare Tire Well.
$995.00 Pair
Each pair features heavy-gauge die-stamped steel
as original with all the correct details and perfect, factory fit.
81C-16450
$500.00 Pair
Each pair features heavy-gauge die-stamped steel
as original with all the correct details and perfect, factory fit.
