The Rover-Landers of BC

It's not all that technical, but i was just about to install some new checker plate wing top protectors when I got to wondering whether I should just rivet them down or whether I should silicone them or something as well to keep mud from sneaking under there and then popping out later after I've washed it (that is if I ever decide to wash it for some silly reason ;)

Any thoughts, experiences?

I have wing-top protectors riveted on my 110 Double Cab. Rivets done well don’t loosen up. As it is aluminum attached to aluminum corrosion shouldn’t be an issue. If I want to replace them just drilling out the rivets is fairly easy.

If silicone or some other kind of sealant/glue is used it becomes a big issue and you will end up replacing the wing I imagine. Then there isn’t really a reason to protect them.

Keep it simple.

Yeah, thanks for the reply Stuart, I'd come to about the same conclusion and just went ahead and riveted them (I just don't generally like dealing with silicone or sealants regardless) so they're on and looking good :)

Thought it was a bit funny that my wing-top protectors didn't come with the mounting holes counter sunk into the bar sections on top, not a huge thing, but just had to use a larger drill bit to grind out the bar around the holes so the rivets wouldn't be perched up on top of them

just as a side note, as you have already riveted. there are a few great products out there for cold panel welding for steel aluminium and other materials. they are pretty reasonably priced and are amazing in quality.
you can bond two sheets of steel or aluminium together and it is almost as good as a weld.
When i used to restore cars i tested the strength by trying to rip the steel apart, the cold weld held together and the steel sheet ripped beside the seam.

some vehicle body panels are held together almost purely by this.
not messy and easy to use, just need good preparation.