C3 Body Rivets

[John A.]

When replacing the rivets in the hood-hinge reinforcements, how far should the rivet be peened over?

A. Just enough to widen the shank
B. At least half way…
C. Mashed liked a pancake to match the head on the opposite side

Thanks for your help!

[Geoff C.]

The answer is sorta A, but if in doubt

It is not B and definitely not C.

Look up the original part number of the rivet in the AIM. Then cross-reference that rivet part number to determine the length of the rivet in a GM blueprint. If you do not have that GM blueprint, these lengths are shown in a catalog published by a retired Corvette parts supplier. In catalog Vol. 26 and 27 that chart is on page 95. If you are clever and search, you may even locate a source for these rivets that are the real deal – made by the OEM in the original tools - not replacement hard ones. On the internet you can see the same chart at the link below.

Regards, Geoffrey

PS Happy Holidays to all, I just discovered that one of my Vettes was assembled on Christmas Eve. Isn't that a coincidence.




Rivet Length & Grip Range Chart

[John A.]

Re: The answer is sorta A, but if in doubt

Thanks for the link Geoffrey. I forgot about it being there. I have an AIM... but not the reference material. And as far as a supplier, I found one in CT...:-) Until next time, take care, and thanks again.