Running boards seem to be one of the most mis-understood items on a T, especially from '13 on to '25. First of all 1913 and 1925 running board do have the script running the same way, but that is all. All running boards from '13 until about 1920 used a 1/4-20 carriage bolt to the fenders, front and rear. After that, they went to a 5/16 carriage bolt. 1913 & 1914 running boards have holes on both sides for the carbide generator. The '15 - '20 running boards still have the HIGH "F" in the Ford script, but not quite as high as the '13s and '14s. Along about 1923, running boards appeared as rights and lefts, because they had a strenghtening strip with two bolts on each side.
Another thing that I don't understand is why people use step plates! Running boards are meant to be stepped on! My '13 touring has been in continuous service since 1913, except for a 20 year period from 1940-1960. The tops of the diamonds haven't worn off yet, and the inner original carriage bolt on the passenger side is polished from many entrances and exits from the car, but still has a lot of miles left on it.
To each his own, but that is my thoughts.
Hi Larry, my Canadian sourced 22 T had your 'strengthening strips' with the two holes. I thought the two strips were added to clamp the splash shield to the running board at the front. The holes in the shields are elongated to make this easier. Otherwise the front of the splash shield is un-supported.
Allan from down under.
The original running boards on my '15 have the holes for the carbide generator. The running board apron on the driver side has a hole punched for the rubber gas tube.
I'm not surprised that Royces car has holes for a carbide generator, especially if it's early. I wonder if both sides are that way, like they are on '14s.
The Record of Changes for running boards specifies that the holes for the carbide generator were to be removed as of 3/24/15. Of course, the "holey" ones would have been used up first.
My car has a block casting and body date of mid - March 1915. S/N 733122. The touring body style for 1915 was introduced about a month earlier.