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Old 03-06-2023, 06:05 PM   #1
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To remove rub rail or not?

https://app.photobucket.com/u/norcut...0-45077ae2a157
Hey I was wondering if any one removes rub rails on their skoolies? At least a couple. The body panels has ribs, they’re yellow in the middle I just want to remove the 2nd one down and bottom one, or maybe all three black rub rails. Will it rattle a lot? I will be raising the roof 14”, skinning and spray foam insulating
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Old 02-12-2024, 08:24 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by The Mullet Bus View Post
https://app.photobucket.com/u/norcut...0-45077ae2a157geometry dash
Hey I was wondering if any one removes rub rails on their skoolies? At least a couple. The body panels has ribs, they’re yellow in the middle I just want to remove the 2nd one down and bottom one, or maybe all three black rub rails. Will it rattle a lot? I will be raising the roof 14”, skinning and spray foam insulating
If you want your skoolie (school bus conversion) to seem smoother from the outside, you can remove the rub rails.
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Old 02-12-2024, 08:45 AM   #3
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The rails add strength and rigidity to the body. Eliminates a lot of creaking and cracking during travel that one would have without them. Also eliminates an oil canning that can present itself too.

If you're doing a roof raise, there's no point in worrying as that will be more of a structural issue then those rails missing. Pull em off if you want.
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Old 02-12-2024, 12:10 PM   #4
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Personal opinion - I'm keeping them on. They add a large amount of structural side-impact protection (which is why they're there). On my bus, they also overlap the lower window seam and I think they look nice - keeping the bus vibe.
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Old 02-12-2024, 12:24 PM   #5
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Your bus will wave at people when you look at it or down it because when you remove those straighteners there is nothing to keep it smooth and straight, just my thought. What are you going to do with those thousands of holes afterward? Weld them up, then it will be even more warped.
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Old 02-12-2024, 02:40 PM   #6
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the end of the world will occure if you do.... yea go ahead it wont matter
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Old 02-12-2024, 06:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mullet Bus View Post
https://app.photobucket.com/u/norcut...0-45077ae2a157
Hey I was wondering if any one removes rub rails on their skoolies? At least a couple. The body panels has ribs, they’re yellow in the middle I just want to remove the 2nd one down and bottom one, or maybe all three black rub rails. Will it rattle a lot? I will be raising the roof 14”, skinning and spray foam insulating
--------------------





🚍 According to Macallister_Transportation, Blue Bird's "exterior side sheet metal is 20 gauge galvanized steel with fluting for strength; one piece from window sills to bottom of skirt"....
While only the "Four full-length, 16 gauge exterior side rub rails are positioned to offer optimum strength and protection ."

🚍 That being said, you are absolutely allowed to remove one or more. You might choose to replace one (or two) to cover the horizontal seam(s), after the raise. It's common to see IC/Navistar buses, with only two rub rails, stock from the factory. However, IC buses are built with 16 guage body steel.
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Old 02-27-2024, 07:29 PM   #8
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what a awesome bus!
i love that wheel base.
it will give you more camping options.

i was at a bus fair and one came rolling in.
he turned some tight corners like it was nothing LOL
it was green with a roof raise.
very well done conversion inside & out.

i was also told that the outside black trim was for emergency rescue.
lets them know where floor & seats are at if they need to cut out the sides for entry.

i heard ins companies are cracking down on roof raises?
hopefully they may not notice 14''
you may want to check around....

enjoy the build!
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