Most cars built in 1940 had a running board. After World War 2 starting with the 1946 cars the running boards were gone except on some pickup trucks which still had them well into the 50s.
The last Ford passenger car with running boards was 1948. The 1949 Fords had a new "narrower" look without the separate low fenders. The ground clearance was not changed much.
You can definitively replace your cars running boards with out replacing other car parts. You may want to consider having an auto body shop do the work for you to a0oid damage to other parts of your car.
Running boards do not make you lose more weight. However, using a running board instead of free-running is easier on your body, so in essence running boards make it easier to lose weight.
There are many online shops that provide running boards. Amazon.com is one of online shop that provides running boards and you can get free shipping. You can visit www.amazon.com
Most cars will last as long as they are cared for. My Camaro is a 1986 and is running strong and well.
A running board is a narrow step under the side door of a truck. Running boards are used for easier entry into a truck, especially a truck with a high entrance. Running boards are also used as a fashion statement.
Nissan Xterra running boards fit on a Nissan fender 1999 2001
Look into a running board extension kit that will increase the drop of the running boards. Bestop makes one, it is the Extension Arm Kit, # B7513015.
Hovering cars and boards. NEW THINGS
Since running boards were an option that replaces the rocker moulding I would say YES
Running boards come as replacement items through the dealerships that handle your particular make and model vehicle. There are also some after market sales available where running boards can be purchased at a discount price. RunningBoardWarehouse is an excellent stop with a huge selection.
The boards can be shifted inward, outward, forward, or backward once attached to the brackets. With this innovation, the running boards become even more adaptable and ideally fitted to your truck or cargo van. You can check out the running board brackets online. Surely you can get a good one.