Has anyone tried to replace the vent window rivet while the window was still in the car? I bought the correct rivet and setting tool from LIC (pictured). I’m dreading the thought of taking to door apart just for this job.

 

Try heating the rivet with a torch before striking it so it's softer and won't take as much force to spread it.
Cheers, Greg

 

I replaced the rivet in my '65 coupe with the vent window still in the car; however, I used a different method of setting the rivet. I didn't own the rivet setting tool and didn't want to buy one for a single use, so I used a pair of Vice Grip pliers and a small ball bearing or BB from a Daisy BB gun, don't remember which I finally wound up using. But, by placing the BB or bearing on the rivet end to be upset and by using a slow controlled force with the Vice Grip pliers, I was able to install the rivet to my success. I don't have any photos of the completed job, and it likely didn't look exactly as a rivet set with the tool would look, but it worked to my satisfaction and looked great. There are some threads on the forum talking about rivet installation as well, and I contributed to the discussion at some point in past years if you want to do a search
Just my experience . . . . .


PS Some of the rivet setting tools used to set small rivets such as this one use a Vice Grip type of tool anyhow, just with only 1/4" or so of the rivet set replacing one jaw of the plier. That way the rivet can be set with controlled force, avoid any hammering and potential breakage problem. For myself, I think I'd probably consider cutting the setting end of the tool off such that I could use it with the pliers. But that's just me, I've been know to march to a different drummer . . . . . . . just a thought for consideration . . . . . . and the pliers won't work with a rivet that's not readily accessible from both sides, gotta go with the hammer and solid backer in that case.

Ron

 

Thanks. I’m nervous swinging a hammer around date coded L71 glass! LOL. I’d thought about clipping off the setting end of the tool and using it in a small C-Clamp to crimp the barrel end of the rivet. Just not a whole lot of room to work around that area.

 

I considered using a C-clamp as well, but in hindsight I think the Vice Grip pliers are the best way to go. The C-clamp usually has one side that will swivel, and the screw/clamp is somewhat unwieldly in my opinion. The Vice Grips I find are more controllable, you can set the amount of "crush" by setting the jaw space opening, do a little at a time until you reach your personal point of satisfaction, and additionally I believe they develop a greater degree of force in most instances than you'll be able to develop using a common C-clamp.

My opinion, it and $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee a few places, but not many anymore . . . .

Best to you whichever way you choose to proceed!! Please follow up the thread with a post whichever way you choose, will greatly benefit some future user I'm sure!

Ron

 

I don't know, could this be a possibility??
Or

https://www.hansonrivet.com/tools-ma...vet-squeezers/

 

Thanks. I looked at those hand squeezers but the ****** are really salty. Especially for one use.

 

The vise grip crimp is also used for crimping snaps. I use it for older convertible tops that incorporate them. They have different size ends that slip over the ends of the jaws to accommodate smaller or larger sizes.
You can buy them on line or at marine shops.

 

Maybe someone here can loan you one of these:
https://www.zip-corvette.com/53-82-a...t-ii-tool.html

Dave Z

 

I was looking at similar tools on eBay last night. I’m so deep into this project what the hell is another C-note! LOL. Figured I’d keep it in the Corvette hobby arena so I just gave Zip the play on theirs. I’ll report on its efficacy when it shows up.

 

So it’s been so long since I had eyeballed the actual condition I have on my passenger side vent window I’d forgotten that the binding rivet actually caused the window frame half of the hinge to snap off the vent window frame. I do remember the previous owner telling me about it but it completely slipped my mind. All that said the window does need to come out of the door for repairs. Are there any good restorative service companies out there for these vent window assemblies?

 

Thats what I thought a "c-clamp".
Good luck.

 

I just saw an add for this service on the ncrs classified site

 

If you can find that ad please let me know what the contact info is and the specifics. Thanks in advance.

 

Charlie Santorelli does them. Can fix yours or swap for a restored one. Sting RayCity and Seat Belt City. He advertises in the NCRS driveline, beautiful work. If you can't find it, PM me and I'll give you his info.

 

Thank guys…..I just sent Charlie a message.

 

No website, no emails. Phone only 9-4 and speak directly to him. He also goes to Carlisle.