Perhaps I have overlooked it somewhere, but could someone please point me to an authorized source that indicates that CHEVROLET offered running board step plates for Pre-29 automobiles.

[ January 07, 2002: Message edited by: AntiqueMechanic ]

I have not seen a "authorized Chevy step plate" reference. The only reference I have for step plates for early Chevys appears in the aftermarket Chevy dealers publication "Chevrolet Dealers News". This magazine came out monthly in 1927. It's a great reference because it shows many of the aftermarket accesories availible during the period.
Bill

Well now there was that 1923 Chevrolet printed sales folder that was directed to the Chevrolet Dealer [as reprinted in part in the G&D's for Nov/Dec 1991, March & April 2000] called "Turning Chevrolets into Sport Models."

This document confirms that all these 1923 "Sport" models and accessories [list "Running Board Steps, four on Touring and two on Roadster."] were approved by the factory, and should meet the VCCA requirements and intent that "Accessories must be Chevrolet items recommended for the years on which it appears."

And then there were the 1924 F Deluxe Model that Chevrolet called 1925 models since they were sold after August 1, 1924 {the start of the 1925 sales season]. The Superior Parts List shows Running Board Apron Kick Plates were avaiable under Chevrolet part # 343443 75 cents each.

Therefor, it might be possible to find a 1925 Superior Roadster, that is being VCCA judged, where the owner could explain that the Chevrolet # 343443 Kick Plate should meet VCCA approved accessories guidelines if it appears they were "offered and delivered to the public when original sold" by the Chevrolet dealer during the 1925 model year.

Then on top of this, there are those Canadian and Australian Chev 4's [and US built but delivered into Canada] that have been known to have factory, distributor, and dealer equipped Kick Plates on its cars [because they are knee deep in mud countries]. Maybe this is maybe why we see a few Chev 4's at VCCA judged meets lately that the owner claims, "Yes, it has a Flint nameplate, but it was delivered into Canada when new, and that is why it has step plates and a Johnson Overdrive, etc."

The above is furthur supported by the 1924 Superior Series F Deluxe Touring Shown in Early Chevrolet History - Bell - Which has the step plates, outside door handles, nickle plated radiator, bumpers and dogbone radiator cap with motometer.
An example of what VCCA Judges have accepted is Lawrence Kesslers 30th Anniversary Best of Show 4 Cylinder on the G&D Cover Nov/Dec 1991. This car has the gray-blue with cardinal stripes but is apparently not a deluxe as the door handles are missing and the step plates are different.
Herb