Ball joint rivets
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Ball joint rivets
i wish to replace the upper and lower ball joints on my vette, the lowers are worn, and i want to replace the uppers as well. My question is with the lowers, which side if the rivet do i take the air chisel to? Im thinking that you remove the rivet head that is on the outside of the a-arm. Is that correct?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Even if you grind the heads off the rivets, you won't be able to pull the ball joints out (I'm talking about the uppers). The reason being is because when they riveted them at the factory, the main shank of the rivet expanded inside the ball joint hole. So, what you will need to do is take the head off of the rivets, then use you air chisel between the top of the a-arm and the bottom of the ball joint to separate the two. Work your way around the bottom of the joint until it pops loose. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
That is my method also. The rivet drills easy. I don't even grind the heads off, just center the drill and start small then step up on drill size untill it is a little smaller hole than the new rivet shank about 3/8 deep, then pop it with a punch and hammer. The head pops of and the shank drives through,When I reinstall I have a pin out of a basement jack post i hollowed the end out on and use it in a press to crush the new rivet, with a block on head side. Rivet heads look almost the same on both sides and it was easy to remove and replace doing it this way.
Last edited by 63mako; Apr 26, 2008 at 12:39 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Henrietta New York
totally agree with the drilling method using a pilot drill up to a bit just inside the OD of the rivet. Anytime you can skip hammering on a control arm the better. Just takes a little time and patience.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
why not use bolts to hold the joints on instead? NCRS?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Suffern NY
That is my method also. The rivet drills easy. I don't even grind the heads off, just center the drill and start small then step up on drill size untill it is a little smaller hole than the new rivet shank about 3/8 deep, then pop it with a punch and hammer. The head pops of and the shank drives through,When I reinstall I have a pin out of a basement jack post i hollowed the end out on and use it in a press to crush the new rivet, with a block on head side. Rivet heads look almost the same on both sides and it was easy to remove and replace doing it this way.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
No photos, but it works like a charm and looks real nice. The rivets are pretty soft steel.
Last edited by 63mako; Apr 26, 2008 at 01:58 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
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From: Carbondale Pa.
But,,,,,Peace, Moosie 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,205
Likes: 4,034
From: Connecticut, USA
Good point on the uppers. If they are the originals I would check to see what there is for play. The only aftermarket brand I would use is MOOG. There are a lot of cheaper joints, in both price and quality, on the market and sold in "kits"
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Because a lot of people think you need to unecessarily spend money on these cars, hence the while I'm at it's, rear calipers bad, might as well do the fronts,,,,,,,,,"while I'm at it". Lowers bad, do the uppers too, inners bad, do the outers,,,, while I'm at it . Being a brokester, I only do whats necessary,, people frown on that. But,,,,,Peace, Moosie
But,,,,,Peace, Moosie
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
The age and the mileage could put a different slant on things, but if they check good ? And by the way I didnt specifically mean you and this posting but in general . These friggen cars are so expensive and will put you in the poor house with just normal upkeep without looking to find things to replace "while I'm at it". Peace,,,Moosie
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The age and the mileage could put a different slant on things, but if they check good ? And by the way I didnt specifically mean you and this posting but in general . These friggen cars are so expensive and will put you in the poor house with just normal upkeep without looking to find things to replace "while I'm at it". Peace,,,Moosie