How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

[Scott Marzahl]

Has anyone replaced their C2 vent window "t" post before. The repair kit comes with two semi hollow rivets. I would imagine this takes a special type of rivet set so that the hollow rivet body does not collapse on itself when setting it. Any tips out there?

Thanks,
Scott

[Mike M.]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

place dolly in vice, place head of rivet on dolly, have friend hold the whole deal, then peen the rivet with a rounded-off center punch. you can grind the punch in a rounded fashion so that the rivet mushrooms out. good luck, mike

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Excellent, thanks Mike!

[John M.]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Scott,
If you want to make perfect expansion of tubular rivets, You can get the correct set from: http://www.rivetsinstock.com/rivet62.htm
These sets make perfect rolled tails on the rivets. I have a full set of these sets and use than on everything from rebound straps to hood support rivets to hinge springs on C1 cars, and allways get a perfect tail that can not be dintinguished from the original rivet.

Regards, John McGraw

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Hey, now we're talking. Looks like I can use them with the air hammer too. Do you recall how much they run each? I've picked up a nice little collection of rivet tools at various aviation surplus scrap shops but have never seen these before.

[mike geary]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Scott: Sit down -- they run $31 each. I'll be buying one for my vent window resto as soon as I'm sure of the right size to order.

One tip I've learned on using the air hammer to peen rivets. Set the pressure very low to start and increase gradually as needed. I usually start at about 20 psi.

Mike

[John M.]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Yep, These are designed to be used with a standard .401 shank rivet gun. if I remember right, they run about $12-$15 each. I have also cut some down to use in my home-made rivet squeeze for items like rebound straps. There is an article in an old Restorer on how to manufacture one of these "Mongoose" tools from a KD nut splitter. The reason that you have not run across these sets at aircraft salvage places, is that this type of rivet is not approved for any structural uses on aircraft. There is a great aircraft salvage place called "The Yard", in Tulsa that has surplus aircraft tools at a fraction of their original cost, great stuff! I am an old aircraft mechanic, and have spent many hours looking on their shelves when I lived up there. http://www.yardstore.com

Regards, John McGraw

[John M.]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Hey Mike,
It's only money! You can never have too many Corvettes or too many tools!LOL
What you say about the air pressure is true, especially if you have a standard Air hammer from the home center. True rivet guns have a much shorter stroke and do not hit as hard. They hit much faster, but with less force. There are also those applications where it is almost impossible to get at both sides of the rivet to drive it, and that is where the "Mongoose" squeeze comes in handy.
I never could replace C1 door hinge spring rivets correctly until I built one of them.

Regards, John McGraw

[Rob A.]

Re: How do I set semi-hollow rivets, vent window

Scott,

When I replaced the vent window hinge rivet, which was steel, in my '67 coupe I went to an auto body shop that's been around since the 60's. They used what looked a heavy duty "C Clamp" with a point on one end that is used to squash the rivet in place. It worked well and looked like the original when finished.