OK guys, I've got myself a part that I can't figger out where or how it fits. I have no doubt but what a dozen of you will tell me exactly how it fits. We have a set of 2 braces that I'm pretty sure somehow stabilize the aprons and/or running boards. The thing is, it looks like it could fit one of two ways, and neither of them seems to be an exact fit, but neither are out of the question either. Option 1 is lining up the hole in one end with the tab that connects the rear of the apron to the fender. Bolt it there, then have the brace run up and towards the center of the truck, with the opposite end fitting within the crossmember channels and bolting between the box mounting blocks and the crossmember with the throughbolt that ties the box on. This would tend to stabilize both the fender and the apron, triangulating to the frame. Option 2 is to turn the brace over and run it into the tab with the tapped hole in the apron, tying the apron top flange, bottom tab on the front of the apron, and then ending up under the running board, with a carriage bolt securing it to the brace. This seems to almost make the most sense, but unfortunately, the holes are quite a ways from lining up, and it would require the new repro apron to be bent/rolled considerably more. Just doesn't look right. So...is one of these correct, or is there an Option 3?
Pic #2 is the correct way to install the brace that supports the side splash apron. Your fingers in pic #1 are closest to the hole that attaches to the runningboard. The bolt head will be visible when looking down at the runningboard. When installed, the brace will be concave in appearance. Loosely fit all pieces and when you finally acheive the desired fit, tighten them all down. Hope that helps! Ken
Congrats, Ken...You win first place. It certainly makes sense, but I can't believe how far off the holes are from lining up. With a little brute force and blind determination, I bet I can make it work! Thanks for the help... Anyone care to disagree with Ken or offer a second opinion?
I'm getting too old to do this! Here's the best shot I could get tonight! I know how a turtle feels when someone turns him on his back! Ken
Just Remember : There is no problem so difficult it cannot be solved by generous application of brute force and ignorance .
Repros That´s why Nate always recommends: use as many original parts as possible By the way, i´ve just assembled my running boards about a week ago, and as Ken stated, get all bolts in and start tighten them, in the end, it´ll be OK
spika, Just got thru installing my aprons and found out that the mounting holes line up much easier if you attach the apron to the runningbd lip first and then the brace. Good luck, Mike
Yep, you guys were right...they formed into shape as it went together. Looks like everything is fitting right...
