Removing rivets from rubrails

[jkindt]

What is the best method for removing the rivets from the rub rails. I have decided that I don't need the rub rails and think it would look better without them. I thought about grinding a flat spot and drilling them out, but there are about 2.5 million of those little buggers on my bus. Who has removed their rubrails and how did you deal with the rivets?

[ramairws601]

sharp air chisel will pop the heads right off or you can use a grinder with a cutoff wheel as well.

[jkindt]

That is a neat tool. What about cutting an X in the head of the rivet with an angle grinder, then hitting it with a hammer and chisel? That should do the job shouldn't it?

[bus-ted]

Yes, if you have plenty of time and patience, and don't mind the effects of grinding too deep occasionally.

[Sojakai]

Can you grind the back off of them on the inside and just hit every other one with a hammer? Let the rubrail fall off and take them with it?

[maj]

When you remove the rub rails will the sides loose any structural strength?

[ramairws601]

Originally Posted by maj

When you remove the rub rails will the sides loose any structural strength?

yes they will, I notice my panels arent as strong now and the bottom edge is the worst obviously. I plan to add crossmembers behind them so it will be solid again. alot of work but worth it to me to have a smooth exterior.

[jkindt]

My plan is to remove the bottom rub rails and relocate them behind the panel. This way it keeps the strength and allows me to extend the body down even with the bottom of the entry steps. I will gain room for additional underbody storage boxes. I am planning on using aluminum treadplate along the bottom of the body to do this. It will lower the body about 7" and still give me 12" of ground clearance. The relocated rub rail will add stability and keep the body from folding under. I have decided to leave the other rub rails in place...my wife seems to like them.