The wood which the running board was attached to on my 97MB rotted out and the running board let go. I cleaned up most of the rotted wood and sealant as best I could and am now going over my options to secure it back in place.
I see where the original wood was secured to a 2x6(?) board. There are numerous screws and staples which were used to secure the rotted out wood to this board. I don't have any access to replace the wood with a new piece per the original design without removing the complete running board. I am reticent to do this for fear of causing more damage and creating more work as it is securely attached to the fender with adhesive. I removed the screws and pulled on it with no luck in removing it.
My plan at the moment is to attach two steel L brackets to the storage container then attach the running board to the brackets using the original holes which were securing it. I have a piece of 3/16" thick aluminum plate which I will put under the running board which will spread the load on the fiberglass.
I believe that this is a common issue and am looking to see if there are concerns about the way I plan to make the repair. I'm a woodworker and would not use a long grain to end grain for structural support particularly where the load is relying on screws and adhesive into the end grain.