What Is a Running Board?
A running board is a vehicle accessory part that is located beneath the doors on the side of a vehicle, extending from the front wheel well to the back wheel well, and can be used as a step by a person who is getting into or out of the vehicle. Running boards, which typically are made of chrome or fiberglass, are fashionable as well as practical. Many vintage cars feature running boards for their looks, even though they might not be needed as steps. Trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and full-size vans, however, often feature running boards that are intended to be used as steps yet also add to the vehicles' visual appeal. Sometimes called a footboard, a running board can be a factory feature or can be a custom feature added later.
History of Running Boards
Early model cars typically featured running boards on both sides of the vehicles. Vintage cars sat higher off the ground than modern cars, so the running board was necessary to provide sure footing for entrance. Later models of cars that sat lower to the ground no longer needed running boards, but some models had them for aesthetic reasons.
Custom cars became popular in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, and they have maintained their popularity. A modern customization of any vehicle might include the addition of running boards. Full-size trucks are often seen with chrome running boards, but on a car with a custom paint job, the running boards usually are fiberglass and are painted to match. In addition to the various designs and finishes, a running board might even be lighted.
Some owners add running boards to their vehicles themselves. Others pay to have the work done at a body shop that customizes cars. Running boards can be purchased from a body shop, a car parts store or any number of catalog and online retailers.
Similar Vehicle Accessories
There are other accessory parts that serve one or both of the purposes that running boards serve. Nerf bars are pipes — usually chrome or steel — added to the sides of vehicles, with small footpads on the bars where they can be used as steps. Truck steps are much shorter that running boards, rather than extending from wheel to wheel, and they mostly serve a practical purpose rather than being known for their looks.
Written by J. Beam
