Rivets??
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Garland Texas
Rivets??
Where can I find the correct rivets for the front bumber valance bonding strips? I think I have correctly named the location, but I not sure. These rivets hold the metal strips to the front fiberglass and these strips are where the front bumber attaches. They appear to have a very flat head so they can be basically flush when installed.
Thanks,,
Thanks,,
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
I know Keenparts.com (a supporting vendor) has them as well as Corvette-World.com.
They are a standard body rivet (that's my name for them but I've talked to both vendors using that term and they both knew what I meant).
You can buy the exact quantity you need, or buy them in packs of 25, 50, 100, etc. They are a solid aluminum rivet (not a pop rivet), have a 1/2" dia. head and a 3/16" dia. shank and are available in 2 lengths from the vendors that I mentioned. I recommend buying a quantity of the longest length and cutting the shanks down to the correct length for your application before you install them.
You will need a tool to deform the shank ... I made mine, but they can be purchased.
Do a search on this Forum for more info on this topic. You need to understand the correct installation methods, as well as specific info such as the importance of length in your application.
Hope this helps ... and Good Luck.
They are a standard body rivet (that's my name for them but I've talked to both vendors using that term and they both knew what I meant).
You can buy the exact quantity you need, or buy them in packs of 25, 50, 100, etc. They are a solid aluminum rivet (not a pop rivet), have a 1/2" dia. head and a 3/16" dia. shank and are available in 2 lengths from the vendors that I mentioned. I recommend buying a quantity of the longest length and cutting the shanks down to the correct length for your application before you install them.
You will need a tool to deform the shank ... I made mine, but they can be purchased.
Do a search on this Forum for more info on this topic. You need to understand the correct installation methods, as well as specific info such as the importance of length in your application.
Hope this helps ... and Good Luck.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 77
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From: Garland Texas
The rivets you describe are the larger ones used elsewhere. The ones I need are a pop rivet. The metal strips behind and on the sides of the fiberglass nose are bonded onto the fiberglass using these rivets. the bumper attaches to these metal strips.
I could use a standard rivet, but I thought I would try and stay original.
I could use a standard rivet, but I thought I would try and stay original.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
The rivets you describe are the larger ones used elsewhere. The ones I need are a pop rivet. The metal strips behind and on the sides of the fiberglass nose are bonded onto the fiberglass using these rivets. the bumper attaches to these metal strips.
I could use a standard rivet, but I thought I would try and stay original.
I could use a standard rivet, but I thought I would try and stay original.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Garland Texas
The rivet is in the center of the pic. The head is flat so I don't think a standard rivet will work very well.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/memb...ss-rivets.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/memb...ss-rivets.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 954
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Here is a pic of 2 unused OEM rivets that I found under my carpeting ... the bottom one may be the same as (or close to) the one you need. I have sent this pic to a few vendors and brought them to Carlisle last year. No one seems to offer it as a vette repop product. I didn't ask why, but perhaps it's because there are too many standard pop-rivets that are about the same as the ones we are looking for ... thus, is there really a market for repops?
So, I've been searching for the (pic) bottom one for over a year. Last week I was in the local Ace Hardware store, and saw some that may be the same size and appearance as the one in the pic, but I didn't have my sample with me to compare. I'll bet it's close enough. Next time ...
So, I've been searching for the (pic) bottom one for over a year. Last week I was in the local Ace Hardware store, and saw some that may be the same size and appearance as the one in the pic, but I didn't have my sample with me to compare. I'll bet it's close enough. Next time ...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,112
Likes: 4,175
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MM,
Long Island Corvette Supply shows flat head, counter sunk, rivets in their catalogue. I'm not sure if they're regular or pop.
516-225-3000.
Regards,
Alan
I've gotten them at a boat supply store too.(pop)
Long Island Corvette Supply shows flat head, counter sunk, rivets in their catalogue. I'm not sure if they're regular or pop.
516-225-3000.
Regards,
Alan
I've gotten them at a boat supply store too.(pop)
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Garland Texas
Thanks for all the responses.
The backside of my rivets show that they are pop rivets. I don't think I would be able to get a pneumatic gun under the fiberglass to flatten out those aluminum rivets.
I want to take out the metal peice underneath so I can powder coat it. I guess I'll have to cut off the expanded side and pull out the head to see exactly what it looks like. Then maybe I'll be able to find a replacement.
I'm surprised there isn't a standard rivet in someone's catalog.
The backside of my rivets show that they are pop rivets. I don't think I would be able to get a pneumatic gun under the fiberglass to flatten out those aluminum rivets.
I want to take out the metal peice underneath so I can powder coat it. I guess I'll have to cut off the expanded side and pull out the head to see exactly what it looks like. Then maybe I'll be able to find a replacement.
I'm surprised there isn't a standard rivet in someone's catalog.
