Attaching Metal Frame On Exterior of Bus...

[stephen_y]

I just bought a 1993 bluebird short bus and want to attach a metal frame to the the exterior body before getting the bus repainted. I'm looking for the right person to do this for me. Is this a welding job or should this be done with some type of fasteners?

[stephen_y]

Thanks, that's just what I needed to know!

[wtd]

Six of one, half dozen of the other at this point.
Your question is so generic it really boils down to "Is welding a better fastening method that bolts?"

Tom

[lornaschinske]

Possibly a combination of both. Weld brackets on and bolt the rack to the brackets. That way you can rebuild or repair the frame if need be. But like John says, it depends on what you will use it for, etc.

[stephen_y]

I'm wanting to display temporary signs on the side, something like this: http://www.masterpiecebanner.com/frame/

But, since the side of the bus isn't flat, I think I need to put the banner on a rigid backing, like 3/8 plywood, that would be held by some kind of metal frame attached to the side of the bus. I want to be able to slide the "billboard" out of the metal frame, when I don't want to drive around with a sign on the side. I was thinking I'd use some kind of aluminum channel on the top and bottom of the bus exterior and slide the "bill board" into the frame.

[stephen_y]

And thanks for all the responses. If anyone has a better idea for how to temporarily attach plastic advertising banners to the sides, I'd appreciate the ideas.

[lornaschinske]

For flexible vinyl banners, invest in some super heavy duty magnets or a couple pairs of the suction cup glass handlers. I vote for the suction cup things. I've seen guys move Corian shower surrounds with them and that stuff is heavy. You can get the things in different holing ratings. Don't under estimate wind. For hard signs... ditto. Use the cups to hang the sign on. This would only be for stationary uses.