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Would anyone have any suggestions or helpful tips before I start installing new running board rubber matting purchased from Steele Rubber on a 1937 "120"? The replacement mats are flat bottomed so I was told by a person I met in Hershey to sandblast the running boards, apply bondo over the boards to make them flat, then apply formica glue to attach to the running boards. Before I start I would appreciate any suggestions if anyone has done this before.
Thanks
Dave

If by "formica glue" you mean contact cement, that's what I'm planning to use, and what Steele recommends.

I believe that the Steele mats are EPDM rubber. The set I have are an older out of production model, and I see some bloom, which is not unusual. this is most likely a stearate lubricant in the compound, and chemically like a soap. I plan on wiping down the backside with a medium polarity solvent, like alcohol or acetone, before attaching them.

Hey David and John,

Not a bad idea to rough up the back gluing surface with some 40 grit or the like before applying the cement. Not only does it ensure no contaminants on the rubber's surface, but ANY rubber will adhere better with the smooth surface broken in a nice cross-thatch pattern. Gives the glue something to 'grab' on to. Chris.

I just finished this on my '36 . First don't use counter top adhesive. After my first failure I called Weldwood and found some critical points. Use welwood landau top and trim #70798-00233 it has a 240 degree release the other stuff is 140 which is no good in the sun. It has a 1 year shelf life. I found it at a big box store and they remove all date codes on the cover so don't buy it, it's critical. When you do this make a roller 3 " in diameter and 3/4" wide. Start on the body side and roll the mat using 25 psi. into each valley. As you go clamp each valley with a 3/4" square board working across and it will line up perfect. leave clamped for 72 hours. This is a two man job to hold the mat of the glue as you go. There are other glues and methods but this worked great for me.

when purchasing landau top & trim there is or is no date code? Order on line, ex. Amazon, from Weldwood? Rolling at 25psi on top of new mat to the top of running board with adhesive applied to both surfaces? Thanks

The date code is a little sticker on the cover about 1" long it had the product code which is 5 then year of production followed by day of year. Mine read 519214 which is 2019, 214 day of the year. I bought it on amazon from Rochford Supply for $55.00. If it has a bad date code they will take it back and replace it, they did for me. To be a little clearer. the 3/4" boards go the length of the running board. All the information I'm giving you was obtained by finding a knowledgable person at Weldwood. The cans at big box stores have no date codes, Good luck

I appreciate the tips. for the clamps, I'm thinking that cutting the clamping surface in a curve for better contact with the valley would be a good idea.

Follow directions on can, adhesive on both sides can be sprayed or brushed. I brushed, let dry until you can touch lightly with the back of your hand without sticking. then go to work. It's best to do it at 70 to 75 degrees. Sorry for the long story but there is a lot to understand to get good results.

No, the running board is flat between ridges you want full cotact. Call me 603-8830230

I'm doing a 41, not 37. Running board cross-section is wavy and rubber follows the contour.