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I am a new member so sorry if this question has come up before. I need new running board mats (both sides) for my 1938 Packard Eight 4 door sedan, model 1601. Anyone know of replacements for this application that are correct in size and style. How about any good tricks on repairing the existing ones? Thanks.

Quote:G'day FPTGearhead,
to PackardInfo.

Had a look at Steele Rubbers catalog but no '38 board mats! I have the same problem with my '41 120, no one makes replacement mats, so after removing all the old rubber I'm having mine sprayed with Rhino pickup bed lining. Only trouble is there is a lot, a whole lot, of hand finishing required to rub it back after the spraying.

There is one source of replacement mats but you have to send your boards away to be recoated, a mate of mine has done this twice and is very happy with the results for his '39 120 and a '41 160. Hunley Acuff Runningboards, I believe he has a web site, or you can call (706-866-4875). But be prepared to pay accordingly, it is not cheap at all. That's why I'm going the Rhino route.

And a request, could you please include your '38 Eight Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

Here's a few pic's of a '41 Bohman & Schwartz Limo which has had the boards Rhino coated then rubbed back, looks good. If mine turn out similarly I'll be pleased.

And here's a link to the AACA Packard Forum, Running boards

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Thanks for the advice. I have heard of that vendor and will look further into using him. Have used Steele in the past. Still trying to locate anyone that has a pair of new mats in a box. Also I will register my car soon. I have most of the history for this car as it has been in the family for a long time. Thanks.

You should also check outhttp://www.runningboardrubber.com/

Thanks for that connection. Have already checked them out too. Not crazy about sending my whole running boards across the border into Canada and all. I know a lot of folks have done it successfully but... I really am still trying to find mats in a box on a shelf someplace. There's got to be some stock out there... Again thanks for the help.

have you asked Steele if they used to make them? For example, they don't list the 41 mats but used to. IMO, if your mat design follows the metal shape, the spray polyurethane can work really well. If the mat pattern is raised and attached to a plain steel, you need the extruded and caps.

After a huge amount of research, was unable to buy the mats for both my '39 120 and '41 160. Believe me, they are unobtanium unless you are prepared to cut and butt them. I've seen such jobs and they look look awful.
In the end had both cars done by Hunley Acuff and the results are gorgeous. Not cheap but the best solution by far.

Perhaps it would be helpful to distinguish between those running boards that had true "mats" glued to the metal base, and those that had a rubber composition vulcanized or otherwise bonded directly to the steel. The latter were never intended to be recovered with mats, the former were.

After a closer look at my car, I think the rubber material is glued, bonded, or just adhered to the metal of the unit. After years of sun and heat it is hard to tell if they we designed to detach from the metallic structure or were permanently manufactured to it. I was under the assumption that I can somehow remove the rubber-like material and recover it with new replacement. This is how my other old car, 1940 Chevy, was done. I guess some of the after market vendors would use my old ones to create a pattern for the mold and then recoat my stripped metal boards. Sounds labor intensive and expensive. If that is the case, what is the story with the other Steele Rubber mats that are available for the 1938 Super 8 and V-12? Are they designed to recover the metal or be glued/bonded or what? I will continue my search but am I looking for the full running board metal with rubber top pad or just the mats? I am contacting Steele and find out what's up with that and take the other Packard owner's advice and ask if they used to make the mat or possibly can make it as they still may have the molds.
Thanks for all the help.