Steering wheel rivets removal on '59
#1
Steering wheel rivets removal on '59
Hi team,
Just wondering what the best practice is in getting those rivets out that attach the steering wheel to the upper hub shell.
Thanks,
Jan
Just wondering what the best practice is in getting those rivets out that attach the steering wheel to the upper hub shell.
Thanks,
Jan
#2
Melting Slicks
When I did mine, I simply drilled them out. From the wheel side. Center punch a dimple in the center of the top of the rivet and drill. You won't have to drill the entire top of the rivet off. When you get close the edges of the wheel, the rivet will collapse. Then it just falls out from the bottom.
One of the usual Corvette parts suppliers sells these rivets with threads on the underside. So that when you re-attach the hub, it'll look like rivets. The horn button covers most of the rivets, so you could probably get away with slotted screws. But why not use screws with no slots that look like rivets on the top?
When you re-attach the wheel to the hub, consider using lock washers and Loctite. You don't want that attachment loosening up.
One of the usual Corvette parts suppliers sells these rivets with threads on the underside. So that when you re-attach the hub, it'll look like rivets. The horn button covers most of the rivets, so you could probably get away with slotted screws. But why not use screws with no slots that look like rivets on the top?
When you re-attach the wheel to the hub, consider using lock washers and Loctite. You don't want that attachment loosening up.
#3
Team Owner
I drilled mine out the same way. However, I found some Philip's head screws and small lock washers and nuts to replace the rivets (and yes installed with LokTite). As stated, the horn button covers most of the screws so nobody is the wiser.
#5
Team Owner
I don't know what size drill bit I used...its not super-critical though...
#6
Team Owner
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Corvette Central sells the screws that look like the original rivets.