Running board help

[95ttoplt1]

Well I managed to find a set of running boards for my 53 and come to find out they are way different. The ones that came off the truck are the ribbed style, the ones I got to replace them are the dimpled style. Problem came in when I go to put them on. The dimpled style are missing a support and have a goofy ridge on the inboard side that won't fit under the bed. So those of you that have these style boards, does the bed need trimmed? trim the running board? or remove the bed to install them? Here is a link to a bunch of pictures of the two.

Which is correct for a 53 1/2 ton? Supposedly the ones I bought are off a 53 half ton as well?

http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b207/95ttoplt1/a%20dodge%20truck/

[ggdad1951]

I'd say the ones you took off are the correct ones. I think the dimpled are from pre51.

[Merle Coggins]

I've never seen dimpled running boards on a Pilot-House.

[townwagon]

Dodge used running boards with dimples up until 1947 and again from 1954 to 1958 (in 1959 steps were added to the cab and running boards by the cab were eliminated on all smaller trucks)

The running boards you show in your pictures look to be from a 1954 to 1958 Dodge truck. My guess would be the 116" WB trucks, but without a measurement it is hard to be sure.

It will most likely be easier to find a set of correct running boards than to modify those to fit your truck.

Eric

[Reg Evans]

Another thing to be careful of is not buying boards from a 48-52 for your 53. I think they are a bit longer than the 53 boards due to the larger rear fender size for 53.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Thanks Reg, now you tell me!

Bob

[95ttoplt1]

The lenth and width are all correct, just the dimples and that little hump by the bed thats different. I actually like these better than the ribbed ones and I paid a pretty penny for them as they are super solid. So I guess I will unbolt the bed and slide them under!