'74 Spare Wheel Tray Rivets

[Martin K.]

Could someone tell me if there is a knack or special tools required for installing the 'V-Strap' rivets. I removed the 'V-Strap' from the tray for resto'/repair which is now complete and I have a supply of rivets; some of which are now in the trash. The rivets I have are correct. My problem is when I try to flatten the rivet I only succeed in bending it. All sugestions welcome. Thanks, Martin.

[Chuck Dion NCRS #21785]

Re: '74 Spare Wheel Tray Rivets

Martin- It sounds like the rivets are to long before you drive them. Try experimenting with un bucked length, drive the rivets as quickly as possible as they work harden the more you repeatedly hit them with the rivet gun. Now that I think of it there is a formula for unbucked length put I can't recall what it is. Good luck

[Joe L.]

Re: '74 Spare Wheel Tray Rivets

Martin-----

Are you sure that you have the right rivets? Just because their CONFIGURATION may be correct, does not mean that their METALLURGY is correct. Many of the "correct" rivets sold in the Corvette marketplace are too hard and difficult or impossible to set. The correct rivets are "dead soft" aluminum. Dr. Rebuild sells this type of rivet and others may, also. But, you need to be absolutely sure that waht your getting is "dead soft".

Tools for setting the rivets are available from Paragon and others.


Cranes Corvette

[Martin K.]

Re: '74 Spare Wheel Tray Rivets

Thanks for the replys, I have now succeeded in fixing the rivets.