Some questions about installing rivets for someone with no bodywork experience. For example, on parts such as the underbody reinforcements, how did the assembly line install rivets? Did it take two people, one to hold the rivet in place and one to "crush" the other side or was there some other method? Is there a way to do this single-handedly in the event I need to replace some?
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
I just did many rivets. Its easiest with two people, as the heads are inside and the other end is outside etc. I used a large flat ball pean hammer on the head, held by my helper. I then used an "air/chisel/hammer" with a flat/slightly conical end to crush the rivet. It works very good with little effort on either person's part. -
Re: Rivet Installation Question
the air chisel works excellent and not a lot of air pressure required, just a few 'buuurups' and looks pro. this does take some mechanical skill and as usual a good tool crib and bay . you should educate yourself on the rivit length and correct/ soft ones . i ended up buying the 3/4" i believe and just cut to length with side cutters , you will develop a skill for it . 2 people really helps in some installs , take your time . also when ordering there are several types for the wheel well area some are countersunk and smaller head and on and on . not sure what year your working on but take the time to educate yourself and have the right rivets and tools and install procedure will look pro. Remember to drill the rivet out not chisel.Comment
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
Kevin...
If you are not going for judging, Tioga - stainless slotless screws work will, I used them on the door hinge cover nut retainers...Comment
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
Kevin, you got some good info from the previous two posters. I have found either Paragon or Dr. Rebuild to carry the best rivets with the correct temper.
You want to use a an air chisel with it being held on the flat head of the rivet. This insures that the rivet is being hammered into place and drawing the parts together just like we do at the big airplane company in Seattle. You place what we call a bucking bar or chunk of steel against the cut end of the rivet and the impact from the air hammer sets the rivet and forms the end all at once. It only takes a short pull on the trigger and you are done. One person if you can reach both ends of the rivet or two if you can not.Comment
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
Scott...
Did you use a special bucking bar for the nut plates inside the door hinge cavity? Any details on how to rivet the hinge cover nut plates would be appreciated...Comment
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
Dennis,
Funny you should ask, I do have to replace a couple loose door hinge rivets. My doors are completely apart and I think I can get a bar in there without taking off the door skin, at least for the couple rivets that are loose. If not, I'm going to use a large head blind rivet for the job and fill in the head with some Duraglass so that it appears similar to the originals. For me, it is not worth further disassembly of the door to install a couple original type rivets.Comment
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Re: Rivet Installation Question
Thanks Scott,
Glad I'm not short of brains on this one, for I did about the same thing...Comment
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