Setting Rivets

[joeg]

OK GUYS, I NEED SOME HELP AGAIN ON MY RESTOATION PROJECT. THE DOOR ON MY 66 CONVERT IS LOOSE BETWEEN THE METAL HINGE SUPPORT IN THE DOOR AND THE FIBERGLASS FRAME. THE RIVETS ARE LOOSE.
MY QUESTION IS SHOULD THE RIVETS BE REPLACED OR RESET?.
IN EITHER CASE HOW IS THE "SETTING" OF REVETS DONE?
IS DRILLING THE BEST METHOD TO REMOVE A RIVET?
AS ALWAYS ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
THANKS,
JOE

 

[JohnZ]

Depends on the condition of the rivets - sometimes they can be re-set, but on this stressed application I'd replace them.

The correct (soft) solid aluminum rivets are "set" by inserting them through the fiberglass and the steel part (so the shank end of the rivet to be set protrudes through the steel part), holding a suitable solid steel block (a "bucking bar") hard against the head end of the rivet, and "peening" the shank end of the rivet using a pistol-type air hammer (at about 15-20 psi) with a rivet-setting insert tool. Aircraft Tool Supply ( www.aircraft-tool.com ) has a great selection of air hammer insert tools for setting rivets, and the best source for correct body rivets is Dr. Rebuild.

 

[joeg]

Many Thanks John,

How do I contact Dr Rebuild.?
Also, to my other question about removal. Do you drill them out?

Joe

 

[ChuckG]

Yes, you drill them out, and I agree with the Dr. Rebuild suggestion. He sells rivets with the correct "softness/hardness". If you get the incorrect rivets, you'll be beating the "heck" out of them. Don't ask me how I know this. Chuck

 

[JohnZ]

Many Thanks John,

How do I contact Dr Rebuild.?


Joe

Call (203) 366-1332 for Tech/Product info and to order a catalog; the credit card order line (only) when you already have the part number you want is (800) 866-9362. Website is www.docrebuild.com. Call and order the catalog first - it's the best in the business.