I will eventually have the same problem Brian describes, but looking ahead I planned to weld some round bar stock into the undergroove of the pressed metal board brackets to stiffen them and make them more "solid". I was hoping to use just the stock holes in the frame (Brookville) without adding any further holes or welds on the frame. Here's another idea I would like some comment on, what if steel or aluminum diamond plate is used on the top of the board to spread out the load? It need not be rectangular in shape as for the stock running board but could have any of several shapes (larger than the usual aftermarket step plate) such as a teardrop, an elongated oval or even a cutout of flames. If such a plate spanned both brackets it should strengthen the running board but then the brackets need strength too so maybe the reinforcement with round rod might be sufficient??? What is the general experience with fiberglass running boards? Are they squirrely or strong enough for say 220 pounds?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder