Front wheel hub rivets

[Floyd Berus (38878)]

I’m restoring a ’73 vette and the front brake rotors are shot. I have found vette part vendors that sell the rotors and the rivets to reattach them to the wheel hub. However, I am having trouble finding a machine shop that can do the job. (I live in the north metro Atlanta area) I would like to know what my options are, short of scrapping the rotor *and* hub. For instance, is it possible to heat the rivet with a welding torch and squash the rivet with a hammer?

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: Front wheel hub rivets

Floyd------

You don't have to install the rivets, at all. The lug bolts and nuts will retain the rotors to the hubs. The presence or absence of the rivets cannot be detected during judging, so that represents no concern for you, either.

These rivets, due to their 3/8" diameter are VERY difficult to install. I believe that Bairs Corvette in Linesville, PA is set up and capable of doing the job if you really want to have it done. Art Dorsett at Van Steel in Clearwater, FL may be able to do it, too.

One thing, though, if you've replaced the rotors: the rivets are not important, but the runout on the assembled rotor/hub is VERY important. Make sure that you check this by bolting the rotor and hub together using the lug nuts, torqued to spec, at all 5 lug bolts and then dial-indicating the rotor. It absolutely MUST NOT EXCEED .005" TIR.

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: Front wheel hub rivets

Floyd for sure I agree with Joe in using the services of Bairs for obtaining a correct runout in putting new discs on your 73's hubs. You could just send your 73's hubs to Bairs and they can take care of everything, removal, installation of new discs with rivets to your 73's hubs. You could remove your discs to save shipping weight as an option. Check out their web page.

[Floyd Berus (38878)]

Re: Front wheel hub rivets

Thanx Gentlemen. I knew that I didn't really *need* the rivets for proper operation of the brakes. In fact, my copy of the GM '73 Service Manual instructs the mechanic to simply chisel off the rivets and install the rotor without them. As you have indicated, it warns the mechanic to use the lug nuts to attach the rotor to hub and check the run-out. Adding this warning to your advice, attempting to do the job myself is definitely out.

I'm new to the hobby of vette restoration, so my main concern was any judging reduction I might take. But you have put those fears to rest. Is there a simple technique for checking the run-out that does not require a special measuring device? (like the one shown in the aforementioned service manual).

Thanx again.

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: Front wheel hub rivets

Floyd----

There's really no way to check for rotor runout except with a dial indicator and appropriate dial indicator mounting stand. When the condition is gross (e.g. more than .010", or so), it can usually be seen with the eye as a "wobble" while the rotor is rotating.

Inexpensive dial indicators and stands can be purchased from sources like Harbor Freight Tools. They will work just fine for this measurement.