Rub Rail

[MyPrevost]

One of the small sections of stainless rub rail between two of my bay doors is loose. It looks like it’s held on by some form of black mastic, but it’s not doing a great job. Does anyone know what this material is that keeps the stainless attached to the side of the bus?

Dale & Paulette

“God loves you and has a plan for your life!”

[MyPrevost]

Dale,

It sounds like someone might have done an unauthorized fix. Those small pieces of rub rail between the doors are indeed more time-consuming to replace than the larger ones, but a DIY approach can work. Check how the other pieces are attached; you’ll likely find that they should be riveted on.

I’m not sure if International Bus Parts has an illustration, but maybe Mango has a how-to on his site.

Richard Beecher

[MyPrevost]

Richard,

It looks like the frame of this small panel (about 10″-12″) was riveted from the back, but the skin was bonded to the frame with that black substance. I notice some of the really small (2″-3″) panels have rivets on the sides, but this one doesn’t seem to. It appears that the full-size panels might also be attached to their frame with a mastic, and then the frame is riveted to the side of the coach.

Dale & Paulette

“God loves you and has a plan for your life!”

[MyPrevost]

Dale,

This is how Liberty installs their rub rails.

http://www.prevoman.com/Pages/Panel%…/Panelpg1.html

Mike

[MyPrevost]

I had the same issue,I was able to purchase the adhesive from International Bus.

Richard,

It looks like the frame of this small panel (about 10″-12″) was riveted from the back, but the skin was bonded to the frame with that black substance. I notice some of the really small (2″-3″) panels have rivets on the sides, but this one doesn’t seem to. It appears that the full-size panels might also be attached to their frame with a mastic, and then the frame is riveted to the side of the coach.

Dale & Paulette

“God loves you and has a plan for your life!”

Granvil Tracy
2000 Vantare XLV45, S-2

[MyPrevost]

A great adhesive option is 3M Moulding Tape, available at NAPA automotive stores.

This tape comes in a 1/2″ x 60″ roll.

[MyPrevost]

Dale,

Whenever I have a question about my bus, I reach out to James Craig at Country Coach. He’s one of the few who really knows Prevosts or knows who does. He can be tough to reach by phone, but he always responds quickly to emails. Since this is my second Country Coach, I have a few other contacts, but he’s always my first choice for technical issues. Just make sure to include your coach number in the email so he can pull the build file. His email address is jscraig@countrycoach.com. It’s great to see the fun already starting!

Miles & Laura Circo
2004 Country Coach Prevost XL II 45′ D/S

[MyPrevost]

Dale,

I think the proper way to install that panel is with rivets, or bolts, or both. A panel that size may only need rivets. Our riveted coach is a 40-footer, so the 45 might be done differently, but I still doubt the rail would be attached with adhesive alone. Most panels should have some sort of sealer, like what IBP provides or the 3M stuff Paul mentioned.

Are you near I-10? We’ll be passing through on our way to California in our Vogue next Friday, and I’d be happy to stop by, check out the new bus, and take a look at the panel. I have the same rivets and tool Mango used, and they work really well—I can bring them along. If you have time, a picture of the panel would be helpful.

Send me a PM if you’re interested!

Richard Beecher
2002 Marathon XLII 45
1996 Vogue XL 40 for sale

[MyPrevost]

Since I didn’t see a feasible way to rivet the panel due to its design, I went with flat head screws and set them in JB Weld to ensure they won’t come out. I don’t think I’ll have any issues with it falling off. This was a small panel, about 10″-12″.

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