We specialize in the reproduction of all antique (vintage) auto and truck running board rubber mats.
These include: Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Hudson, Lincoln, Graham-Paige, Ford, Chevrolet, LaSalle, Buick, Nash, Packard, Studebaker, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Pontiac, Durant, Essex, Terraplane, and Hupmobile, to name the more common vintage cars and trucks.
Typically running boards were used on cars from about 1915 to the mid forties, at which time sill plates under the doors replaced exterior running boards. Sill plates were used by many car makers until 1955, when the sill plates were done away with.
Therefore cars built in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, and 1943 likely had exterior running boards. Cars built in 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954 likely had sill plates.
We also specialize in the reproduction of extruded and/or molded (moulded) trunk and floor mats, as well as those impossible to find rubber parts.
My name is Kris Arneson, owner operator of this fascinating business.
I have spent over 30 years doing complete frame-up restorations of vintage cars, trucks, and street rods. The average time frame to do a frame-up restoration is two years. Although I love this type of work I was looking for something that had a shorter time-span, thus when the opportunity arose to purchase the rights to this unique business I was elated.
Seven years ago Pat Rowden, the original owner of this unique business sold it to devote more time to his various interests. Pat was saddened by the fact that the unique business, he had established and loved had fallen into receivership. As a result he has agreed to help me reestablish the business. It should be noted that Pat built and perfected the only existing machinery to reproduce running board mat patterns to their original specifications. Over the years that Pat was in production he never had a mat pattern he was not able to duplicate, reproducing over 500 sets of runningboard mats (covers) with customers worldwide. Pat has allowed me to use a few of his pictures to illustrate the amazing capabilities of the equipment in producing prize winning reproductions.
At this time I would like to thank all those who have purchased my reproductions since I took over this business a year ago.
Since taking over this business I can honestly say that I have found it to be even more rewarding than I could have ever dreamt possible. I see this business, not as just another way to make a living; it has literally become my passion.
I love the varied challenges and unique experiences that this business provides. My 30 year auto body, painting, machining, mechanical and welding abilities are put to the test each and every day.
Presently my turn around time is about 6 to 8 weeks, however if you require a reproduction sooner than that I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
To see a list of the projects to be work on, in progress and have been completed in the last year go to the: project catalog page.
To see some prize winning vintage cars and trucks Pat has reproduced mats for go to our show stoppers page.
Go to: specialty rubber to see some of those impossible to find rubber parts we have reproduced.
I personally guarantee our hand-crafted running board mat quality, appearance and durability will far exceed all mass-production mats. Twenty years after installation they will look as good as new because of the durability of the mat's surface.
Visit our links page to locate vintage car clubs, and suppliers of those difficult to find restoration parts.
To learn more about Pat and myself go to: about us.
My Reproduction Method
There still seems to be a bit of confusion about how I reproduce running board mats, and why I chose this method.
When Pat Rowden started his running board mat business about 15 years ago he quickly realized that there were literally hundreds of mat patterns. At one time companies like Steele, Metro and others sold molded rubber mats, but as the market dried up for most running board mats except Ford and Chevrolet, they found it no longer practical to mass produce most mat patterns.
Pat decided that it was impractical to use the molding process to reproduce mats, and therefore designed and built a milling machine, and other equipment specifically designed to be able to reproduce any mat, as long as he had a mat to look at.
The down side of this process is that it is very labor intensive, and thus expensive as compared to the molding method. The up side is that it allowed him to reproduce over 500 sets of mats for Cadillac, Packard, Studebaker, Hudson, Chrysler, Humpmobile, Marr, Curved Dash Oldsmobile, Stanley Steamer, Nash and others.In the seven years he operated Precision Rubber he never had a mat pattern that he was not able to reproduce using this method.
Although very labor intensive, and thus very expensive, it proved to be the only practical method of reproducing LIMITED market running board mats.
Pat never tried to compete with molded mats. They could mass produce and sell them for less than his material cost.
The quality and durability of the mats that Pat produced far exceeded any mass produced mats. 50 years from the date he reproduced a mat they will look as good as they did the day they were installed. The industrial coating that he put on the mats looked like rubber, felt like rubber and wore like cast iron. No molded mat has this coating, and many lose their appearance very quickly when exposed to the sun, and are step on. The mats that he reproduced allowed the customer to use the running boards as they were designed to be used.That is, to step on them to get in and out of the vehicle. Mass produced molded mats are designed to look at, but not to use.
I have recently purchased the equipment and tools that Pat designed from the receiver when Richard Loesch declared bankruptcy.I am using the same reproduction method that Pat developed. Pat has taken the time to train me in the use of his equipment, and has agreed to help me restore customer confidence in the business. As a starting point Pat has built this website to showcase the business.
To my knowledge the milling machine that he designed and built is still the only one in existence to this day.
Pat and I believe in producing a product that not only looks good, but will last for many years even under the most severe conditions.
Phone: 1 (403) 578-4515
The best time to reach me is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM Mountain Standard Time, or if you wish to simply leave a message at any time stating your phone number, your time zone and the best time to call and I will return your call ASAP.
If you wish to talk to someone about your project immediatly between the hours of 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM Mountain Standard Time please call Pat Rowden at: 1 (403) 335-8644.