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02-23-2022, 08:24 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2016 23' Flying Cloud
Windsor
, California
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 9
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Chrome Rub Rail Recommendation
Hi,
Sorry for the looooong post......
I want to share my experience in purchasing the chrome rub rail for my 2016 23' FC and to recommend a great source for you all.
I spent hours reading previous posts, searching the internet and speaking to other owners. I just could not get over how expensive and inconsistent the pricing is from various AS sources. To get the best price, I would have had to order from two different sources....
Several folks mentioned Cowles products, but their website was challenging to navigate, so I called them. Their rep was outstanding and very accommodating. I ended up placing a phone order with credit card and the material arrived within a week. Although the delivery cost was high, I ended up paying less to buy both 100' of each the top and bottom rails PLUS shipping than I would have paid for 100' of just one from other sources.
Details:
- 1" chrome rub rail AS #201763-100 = Cowles product #33-111 $138.36 for 100'
- 1/2" chrome rub rail AS #201912-100 = Cowles #37-1500 for 5/8" $85.87 for 100'
*NOTE: AS says it is 1/2" but it is actually 5/8" and the right fit for my unit
- Shipping to California $60
So for 100" of each with shipping I paid $224.33 instead of upwards $2.93 - $3.39 per foot for just the 1/2' x 100' = $293.00 - $339.00 for one item
I dealt with:
Loreé White
Customer Service Representative
Cowles Products Company
126 Bailey Road
North Haven, CT 06473
203-865-3110 ext 233
203-680-9448 direct line
Hope this was helpful!
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02-23-2022, 08:26 PM
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#2
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Site Team

2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
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Bookmarked! Thank you!
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05-21-2022, 07:01 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member 

2014 27' Flying Cloud
Rancho Cordova
, California
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 185
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So how did the install go?
Have any good tips on removing the old and installing the new?
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05-22-2022, 07:10 AM
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#4
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,135
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Welcome Aboard...
Be leery of the OEM "Chrome"
Our 'chrome' molding went south after 4 yrs.
I replaced with same, pooped again in places at 3yrs.
Changed the approach and removed all the 'chrome', cleaned the insert well and applied vinyl reflective tape. SFSG
Bob
🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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05-22-2022, 09:12 AM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member 
2016 23' Flying Cloud
Windsor
, California
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 9
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Well . . . . I have yet to replace it - just haven't gotten around to it because I haven't been able to take trips since receiving. Based on videos I have seen, it appears fairly easy to remove (may need a small scraper to slide under tape as you remove) and you need to clean rail with paint thinner or vinegar before installing the new tape. For install have one person hold/unroll the tape while another applies it.
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05-22-2022, 09:14 AM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member 
2016 23' Flying Cloud
Windsor
, California
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 9
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Looks great especially with the blue pinstripe and blue logo
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05-23-2022, 04:49 PM
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#7
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,135
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sfsed
Looks great especially with the blue pinstripe and blue logo
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Start.... https://www.airforums.com/forums/f48...ml#post2130420
End...... https://www.airforums.com/forums/f48...ml#post2130824
POI I just removed the fake plastic chrome covering and applied the reflective tape after cleaning well with acetone, where the molding was loose I cleaned the same way and re-attached with 3M VHB mounting tape.
Bob
🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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05-23-2022, 05:51 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member 
2018 23' International
Happy Valley
, Oregon
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
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That looks awesome! It has been added to my list to do once I get done resealing my roof!
What color tape would go good with the international emblem…. [emoji848]
__________________
2018 International Serenity 23FB
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06-03-2022, 07:21 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member 

2014 27' Flying Cloud
Rancho Cordova
, California
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 185
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Just a followup to a question I had asked earlier...
I removed the 1/2" trim this morning with the help of my wife it was a pretty simple and straightforward process. The old insert peeled away a lot easier than I had thought it might. I was very happy that it went as smooth as it did.
The weather was sunny and in the low 80's and I noticed the side of the trailer in the sun was much easier to remove. I had the best success pulling the moulding back 180 degrees onto itself.
We made 3 passes around the trailer using acetone, clean rags, and the occasional use of a plastic scraper in order to properly prepare the surface.
I would certainly recommend having an extra set of hands to assist with managing the roll of new moulding. Our 27ft trailer only uses two pieces if material, the short piece for the entrance door, and the other is one continuous piece around the whole trailer.
I will be ordering the 1" next, and hope it will go as easy as this trim replacement went.
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08-22-2022, 02:56 PM
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#10
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New Member
2012 25' Flying Cloud
FUQUAY VARINA
, NC
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
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Just ordered from Cowles
I just ordered replacement material from Cowles website. I should have it in a week. I will let everyone know how it goes.
Marty
Quote:
Originally Posted by sfsed
Hi,
Sorry for the looooong post......
I want to share my experience in purchasing the chrome rub rail for my 2016 23' FC and to recommend a great source for you all.
I spent hours reading previous posts, searching the internet and speaking to other owners. I just could not get over how expensive and inconsistent the pricing is from various AS sources. To get the best price, I would have had to order from two different sources....
Several folks mentioned Cowles products, but their website was challenging to navigate, so I called them. Their rep was outstanding and very accommodating. I ended up placing a phone order with credit card and the material arrived within a week. Although the delivery cost was high, I ended up paying less to buy both 100' of each the top and bottom rails PLUS shipping than I would have paid for 100' of just one from other sources.
Details:
- 1" chrome rub rail AS #201763-100 = Cowles product #33-111 $138.36 for 100'
- 1/2" chrome rub rail AS #201912-100 = Cowles #37-1500 for 5/8" $85.87 for 100'
*NOTE: AS says it is 1/2" but it is actually 5/8" and the right fit for my unit
- Shipping to California $60
So for 100" of each with shipping I paid $224.33 instead of upwards $2.93 - $3.39 per foot for just the 1/2' x 100' = $293.00 - $339.00 for one item
I dealt with:
Loreé White
Customer Service Representative
Cowles Products Company
126 Bailey Road
North Haven, CT 06473
203-865-3110 ext 233
203-680-9448 direct line
Hope this was helpful!
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06-08-2023, 08:24 PM
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#11
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Owner of 2 Airstreams
2014 16' Sport
2017 27' Flying Cloud
California
, MD
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty12313
I just ordered replacement material from Cowles website. I should have it in a week. I will let everyone know how it goes.
Marty
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And how did it go?
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06-08-2023, 09:11 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member 
2013 27' FB International
2012 23' Flying Cloud
GVA
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 348
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Airstream Nerds nailed it better than OEM
__________________
Laurence
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06-09-2023, 09:18 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master 
2005 30' Classic
Kingston
, Washington
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 820
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Thank you for posting the video, very helpful.
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06-10-2023, 06:24 PM
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#14
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Owner of 2 Airstreams
2014 16' Sport
2017 27' Flying Cloud
California
, MD
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LAWBC
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Yes they (he) did.
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06-10-2023, 09:49 PM
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#15
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Site Team

2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,992
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LAWBC
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Interesting alternative to the chrome tape. Thanks for posting!
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07-06-2023, 06:13 PM
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#16
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Owner of 2 Airstreams
2014 16' Sport
2017 27' Flying Cloud
California
, MD
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
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Rub rail and belt line refresh
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627
Interesting alternative to the chrome tape. Thanks for posting!
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Just finished the job ... I really like how it looks. Bonus -- there is no thin plastic shiny film covering this black molding to peel off, ever.
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07-06-2023, 09:07 PM
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#17
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Master Chief BT
2018 27' International
Tyler
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 166
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I like it! Nicely done…..how long did it take you? Where did you get the rub rail inset at? I know…so many questions but looks really nice…..I have put Walbernize on my original rub rail and every year looks just a little bit worse…and when JC fixed my front end seperation they replaced the front rub rail which joined halfway down the side of the AIRSTREAM and just didn’t look good so I spent way too much time Walbernizing that cloudiness out of the chrome rub rail….but this black is game changer
__________________
2018 International Signature CCD 27FBQ/Centramatics/Hensley Arrow/16” Michelin XPS RIB/TST-GM TPMS/GM Transparent Camera/Starlink STD
2024 GMC 2500 AT4 DURAMAX/Trailer Tech PKG/Centramatics/Banks Diff Cover/iDash/KATZKIN
WBCCI#11290
US Navy (ret) Master Chief Boiler Technician
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09-25-2023, 11:06 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
LONDON
, ON
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 279
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Another option
Much like others we had the chrome start to peel and go cloudy.
A/S service said they purchase the chrome product from Cowles but they were out of stock.
Cowles did have the identical product in matte black (which is my first choice) #33-110 for about $145 for 100 feet. Free shipping and 10% off with coupon COWLES.
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01-06-2025, 04:56 PM
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#20
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Abe.H
2002 25' Safari
2019 27' International
1976 25' Tradewind
Ramona
, California
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 19
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Great information, from all of you.
i've done this on my rigs and others many times, and the best way that always works for me , is peeling tape off aluminum extrusion slowly it is easier to take your time to be able to remove as much adhesive tape as possible.
then i just roll the leftover adhesive off aluminum with my thumb, it comes off because i tried
putty knives, wire wheel is the biggest no no it just melts the adhesive on aluminum
then i use laker/rag to clean ( reason for laker is much stronger takes less passes, so regardless of what adhesive remover you apply the important part is to give it a final pass with clean rag w water and dry right away, this ensures a good adhesion. diferente removers leave a oil film that gets on the way of tape.
The 3m tape works really good, 3m highly recommend pressing
the more you do the better it adheres.
vintage trailer supply sell trim gard crome tape.
i order from cawles. Dealers want arm and a leg..
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