Running Boards

[ssquires68]

Thinking about replacing my running boards on my 66. Has anyone purchsed the mexican one's from Jbugs?
My car is not a "show" car so they don't need to be OEM stuff but I would like something that looks good without costing me a fortune.

https://www.jbugs.com/product/113898500HD.html

TIA

[Airstream65]

I bought a set a year ago. They are pretty decent quality for the price.

[ssquires68]

[aa390392]

Are you existing one original? Remakes from my understanding are more rounded on the top
If possible recondition your OG's .
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[FL-Frank]

Five years ago, I bought and mounted a new pair on my ‘67 from WW, and I’m pleased with the fit and finish.
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“Tinker Toy” 1967 Savannah Beige Beetle Sedan...........Mostly Original Survivor
“Fritz” 1964 Gulf Blue Karmann Ghia Coupe...Complete Pan-Off Restoration SOLD

[Airstream65]

I did not trim anything, they fit pretty good, but I will probably buy a set from WW eventually.

[iowegian]

A few minutes ago I installed a left-side Wolfsburg West running board on my '66.
It fits absolutely perfectly.
Well worth the 75 bucks.

[Schnitzelfuss]

I don’t recommend the low cost Mexican boards. One side was 11mm shorter than the other. Driver side fit just fine. “Some trimming required” for the passenger side as JBugs says. I guess trimming to them means closing a half-inch gap with custom metal fabrication and welding. And sourcing a spare new rubber mat so I can cut a slice from it and toss the rest. And elongating the fender mount holes too. And all the 6mm openings for the heater channel nut plates required major surgery.

[zerotofifty]

The stock VW boards are made of thicker, much more ridged metal than many of the aftermarket types.
the shiny trim is much wider on the early stock boards that many of the aftermarket.

if your stock board is not mangled bad other than the vinyl cover, id be thinking best bet is to recover it
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Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[Ggiomett]

They’re not OEM, but hey, they bolt on, look the part, and don’t cost a kidney. What more can you ask from some glorified foot shelves?

[zerotofifty]

[meranda]

[Schnitzelfuss]

Thanks- I’m assuming RHS means right hand side, but what “guard” are you referring to?

[slave1pilot]

By guess would be the fender itself.
I assume you measured the running boards themselves though
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Currently:
1959 pan with a 64 body and a 63 ragtop grafted in Herbie replica
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle

[zerotofifty]

yeah, the gap is too big cause the fender is too far forward
_________________
Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[Schnitzelfuss]

Hmmm. The inboard trailing edge of both left and right front fenders measure the same distance from the A Pillar protrusions- about 17mm. But the outboard edges measure differently. On the left side, which is the side the running board fits nicely, it’s about 30mm to the outboard trailing edge. On the right side, it’s 40mm. That’s my gap. Both fenders are up tight against the car body (not to assume the car body is straight and correct). I can’t move the right fender any further rearward or it will be offset noticeably at the front of the car where it abuts the apron. No apparent signs of collision damage or repair to the right front fender. It is visually identical to the left other than the trailing edge measurements. Also note after adjusting the front RHS fender as much as I could, the inboard trailing edge of the running board now touches the fender - it’s the outboard fender edge that slopes away from the outer edge of the running board by 10mm. Could I have fenders from two different model years?

[Schnitzelfuss]

After fender adjustment and adding metal to the front of the running board. With the added metal I can join the fender and close the gap. But that leaves me with a how to trim it dilemma. I’d rather not have to add the metal and cover it with something but I don’t think I can hammer and dolly 10 additional millimeters into that outboard fender edge.

[zerotofifty]

Many aftermarket fenders are of poor fit.

I believe the stock running boards were the same size through near the entire time of production of the Bug, thus the fender detail where it meets the running board should all be the same.
_________________
Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[meranda]

[2type2]

Recently put some of these on my '65,are Mexican made , starts with "K"(?) Do they fit? Yes, considering how my fenders may not both be OG. Had to widen a couple screw holes to better fit. For about $100 they are worth it but don't set your expectations too high. If your car isn't left out in the weather and you are not a complete perfectionist they will serve sufficiently. Like most aftermarket cheap parts, don't expect perfection in fitment or longevity.
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"A life of peace and happiness depends on your own gratefulness"