I noticed on several shays that some people have their running board matting bolted down and some cars have just the step plate and trim. How did the original car come? With or without these 4 hex bolts and washers? I want to keep my car as original stock as possible.

I welcome all responses.
Thanks!
Joe

Hi Joe,

It's basically a matter of choice how you want the bolts...Seen or hidden.

As far as my limited knowledge, Shay's came with the 4 Allen-head bolts/washers showing.

In deference to your question, YES, you should need the bolts to secure the "running boards" to the braces underneath for rigidity....They go through the metal braces to secure...If the bolts were left out, I would venture a guess that it MAY encourage fiberglass stress (or lack of) and subsequent possible cracking but that's just my way of thinking!!!.

When one revamps the running boards with new matting, some have used flat top bolts and hidden them under the rubber matting...Others, like me, reinstalled the bolts like I found them before installing new matting...There's no wrong way.

Of course, there are always variations on any theme as each Shay is different, just like their owners, so we each reach a same objective in different ways.

Reggie