Replicating Running Board dimples?

[joyRidaz]

I was curious if anyone has successfully replicated the "dimple" pattern on the running boards?

I've seen some creative threads on how to do diy ribs for the various panels, but don't think I've seen anyone replicate the tiny simple pattern yet.

I have the typical rust hole in my running board, and hoping to salvage them while maintaining an oem look without replacing them.

Anyone have any creative ideas? Some options in toying with:
1) pounding out the little humps from the back, similar to the making the ribs
2) make a die of some sort
3) laying down some big weld beads and careful grinding

 

[sggoat]

R-boards made by Triton Mfg in Ft.Myers, Fl.--$150

 

[MOTOV8R]

I think using a press and a die set would be your best bet. A short slot on the bottom side and maybe some small round stock or square stock to drive into it.

 

[Racer65]

OEM running boards are among the best values you can get from Toyota. You will come out ahead by simply replacing it. By that I mean you will save time, save money and get a better result.

 

[joyRidaz]

Thanks for the suggestions, I am aware that replacements are available for a decent price to time value, but there's something fulfilling about saving what I can... And I'm not hoping for show quality, I'm just going for "better than it was, but with keeping in the spirit of the orig design...

In terms of Option 1, I Am wondering if this technique below could be done on a smaller scale. Replicate a few of the dimples then weld a strategically placed patch.

Disclaimer: I have no trade qualifications of any description at all, I'm sure there are better ways to do the following, but this is how i did it using what tools i had available




Ok so i was asked to explain in detail how i did the floor in my cruiser. Well i,m a one finger typer so that would take me a year. by the time i get half way through typing something i have forgotten what it is i was going to say
Anyway so i took pictures of how i did it. but you will laugh when you see how very low tech here.

The reason for the request

Now keep in mind that i did this fairly quickly so is a bit rough

Tools i used. With a bit of imagination I'm sure you could come up with better options. i just use what I've got

I started by making a templates of the desired shape, one for the inner edge and one for the outer.

using the smaller template mark out your steel, Then i go around the end curve with a screw driver giving it a good firm whack with the hammer. Do this on a piece of carpet so there is a bit of give under the steel. the piece of carpet I'm using is folded in half to make it a bit thicker

Then go up the sides, i use an old wood chisel for this or a brick bolster. you may need to go up each side a couple of times just to get things even

and you should end up with something like this

Next bit is a bit hard to explain.
turn the steel over so that the indentation is up (like in previous pic) This is where the lines on the templates come in handy.
Lay the small template back on the steel and mark lines on the steel in the the same place as the ones on the template. Like so

This is just to help line up the larger template

 

[diogenese]

I cut up another board and aligned the humps on the patch with the original ones.

 

[thebigredrocker]

I think your best bet is to lay down a weld bead. Perhaps cut the ends off a fat nail. Tack it in place and slowly build your shape using tack welds. Shape it with a hand grinder. L

 

[joyRidaz]

@thebigredrocker - for the win! That's the kinda innovative thinking I was looking for! Thanks for the great idea

I also am liking @diogenese sokution, if I can hunt down someone's scrap, which might be doable given the condition I'm hunting for

I'll post back with the results of whatever I end up trying.