Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I know there has been some discussion on the forum regarding Rhino lining the running boards on 41 Packards. My question is has anyone found a product that can be mixed and sprayed from a spray gun that is durable enough or similar to Rhino linking. Personally I do not step on my running boards so I don't think wear will be a problem. I like doing everything myself on my cars if at all possible. Does anyone have any suggestions. Part two of my question is what is the best way to remove the old rubber on the running boards ? Thank you.

the spray on method uses polyurethane, I believe RIM. The spray gun for this is not a paint sprayer. it has to mix polyol and isocyanate in the correct proportion.

As far as the 'best' way to remove the old rubber... I have no idea. But, I removed the petrified rubber from the running boards using a putty knife, hammer, elbow grease, and several colorful phrases I learned in the Navy. I then sandblasted them. I plan on having them Rhino-lined (if they can prove to me that I can end up with a smooth -not rough- finish).

Attach file:

---

  (77.06 KB)

My experience was that I tried the Rhino liner method, sanded on it forever to get it smooth and then sand blasted it off. It just never looked right at all. I suppose it makes a difference as to the newness of your car, a more all original car that doesn't have new paint that was a darker color might look ok but you have to sand the finish of the Rhino a lot. I ended up sending them off and having them revulcanized, it cost a lot more but was worth every penny.

Corsa 7

I have a 1940-120.

I do not know if Hunley Acuff can do '41 Running boards. I will assume the prep work will be similar.
Here is the sequence I used. I stripped the old material by hand, LABOR INTENSE, Then I had to have dies made to form new metal to replace rusted areas around at the mounting brackets and also the running board contours. I had the boards blasted then powder coated on the bottom sides. Then went to the local UPS site to have them boxed and prepped for shipping. NOT CHEAP here either, then sent to Hunley Acuff. Got them back and haven't unpacked them yet, attached is a picture of Hunley's work taken from the AACA site. It is flawless. I will see if I can post some pics to show the sequence.

Fred D

Attach file:

---

  (34.77 KB)

Results I have seen from Hunley Acuff are superb, but I cannot justify spending an amount that is roughly equal to half the current value of the car.

Quote:

No. Rhino will not be able to spray it smooth. They can adjust their sprayers to give different levels, but it will never be sprayed smooth. You have to sand it smooth. Start with a very aggressive grit, and work your way down. It will look superb if you give it enough time.

Quote:

FYI. They quoted $1,350 plus shipping to and from GA for a pair of 1941 running boards. And that is with the old material already cleaned off.

Corsa, JD and others,

I had the running boards for my Coupe rhinoed twice. The first effort was very sloppy and I ended up sanding them back for a second go. Second time round, better, but still no cigar. There's a lot of sanding required and with the corrugations on the boards not easy to do. I ended up buying a cheap, small, hand belt sander to get into the corrugations. Burnt one of those out very quickly because of the amount of time it was in use, just overheated! Fortunately with its replacement guarantee there wasn't a problem in getting another from the large hardware chain it was purchased from. Then I was more circumspect in it's use allowing plenty of cool down time between short application periods. Upshot was the board cleaned up reasonably well but the sanding process removes the glossy rhino finish. I'm sure there are techniques which could remedy that but I opted for a couple of coats of flattish black paint to finish them.

If you want to know in more detail about my rhino experiences, to zero in on those go to the Advanced Search "button" at the foot of this page and enter:
- rhino, in Keyword(s)
- select the Project Blogs Forum
- Ozstatman, in Author
Then click the Search button
That'll bring up a list of my posts in the Wade's Workshop Project Blog about my trials and tribulations and small triumphs in relation to rhinoed running boards!

And I can vouch for the Hunley Acuff boards, Noel has them on his '39 120 Touring Sedan and a pair ready for his '41 160 Club Coupe once it comes back from the body shop. If you need to use Hunley's services it's suggested you do so now, he's not getting any younger!

Mal,
I remembered your running board saga. When I went to the local Rhino guy, they said they thought they could get a reasonably smooth finish. Based on your experience and comments from others, I have my doubts which is why I said they would have to 'prove' they can produce a non-rough finish. My running boards are extra long with an extension seam that will have to be leaded in or something before any type of spray application is used. I still have the 'Made by Mal' rubber stone guards to attach when I get the boards done. Many thanks for that.