Rub rail caulking

[cp1977]

Not sure what forum to put this in but it has to do with caulk so here it is:
I am about to reinstall the lower rear rub rail on my 77 safari. It is one piece running from the Water Heater on the curb side round back to the wheel well street side. This is the molding that covers the seam between the side panels and the banana skins at the sides/corners and has a blue plastic insert. Should I put a bead of caulk on the molding, then cleco it in place and then finish rivet? Or should it just be caulked along the top edge after it is riveted in place. Or is there some other accepted method of reinstalling and caulking the rail. Any suggestions?

[Mixter]

Funny... I was just about to search for what others have done on this very topic.... I'm about to re-install my rub rail too. I think I'm going to load up the top, back side of the rub rail with sealant, then put it on.

[Becky B.]

You should caulk (with Tempro) all the seams & rivets that are behind the rail before you install it. As you install the rivets of the rail, dip them in caulk before you pop them in. After your rail is in, apply a bead across the top.

[crispyboy]

I usually fill the rivet holes with Trempro and install the rub rail. After the installation of the rub rail I put a little acryl-r or parbond one the exterior of the pop rivet. Then I put blue painters tape the top of the rub rail and side of trailer to make the top caulk joint. I use acryl-r or parbond for the upper joint. If you want a good looking smooth caulk joint when using the acryl-r or parbond, put on a nitril glove, lay down about 5 feet of caulk, quickly dip your index finger in mineral spirits, strike the joint and pull the tape immediately.