front rotor rivet removal help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
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From: Oak Harbor WA
front rotor rivet removal help
What's the best way to remove the rotor rivets? I took increasingly larger diameter drills and drilled out the center of the flat end (outer) until the rivet heads popped off, then tried punching out the rivet with a 1/4 inch punch--but no luck yet. I drilled completely through the center of the rivet with a 3/16 inch drill bit, then tried a 1/4 inch punch, still no luck.
I don't want to use too big of a bit and overbore the holes. Can anyone tell me the diameter of the rotor/hub rivet holes?
Lastly, anyone ever replace the rivets, or just leave them out and let the lug nuts hold everything together?
Thanks,
I don't want to use too big of a bit and overbore the holes. Can anyone tell me the diameter of the rotor/hub rivet holes?
Lastly, anyone ever replace the rivets, or just leave them out and let the lug nuts hold everything together?
Thanks,
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: front rotor rivet removal help (kenko74)
If I remember correctly, I used a 5/16 bit as the final drill thru. It wasn't immediately apparent to me but there was still a thin sliver of metal rivet holding the &%$#( thing together. I then ran a punch along the interior wall of the hole.
I didn't replace the rivets.
I didn't replace the rivets.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 592
Likes: 4
From: Denmark
Re: front rotor rivet removal help (kenko74)
Hi there,
I facing the same problem in a short while, like to hear your experience once it done.
From what I understand you dont have to worry about replacing the rivets in the rotor, they where only installed to speed up the production line at gm.
Good luck.
I facing the same problem in a short while, like to hear your experience once it done.
From what I understand you dont have to worry about replacing the rivets in the rotor, they where only installed to speed up the production line at gm.
Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 641
Likes: 2
From: Storm lake Iowa
Re: front rotor rivet removal help (kenko74)
I just did mine about 1 week ago. I drilled to 1/4" size, which was enough. It's hard work drilling ALL THE WAY THROUGH, and I discovered belatedly that you don't have to. Once there's a 1/4 inch hole at least 1/4' deep. take a chisel and use it to cut off the head of the rivet. The remainder can then easily be pushed out the back with a punch.
There is no need to replace them. You may find once the rivets are out that the rotor still seems immovable...30+ years of rust will do that ;) . Rather than trying to pry that sucker off, give it a couple of sharp whacks with a rubber mallet, and it will pop free and slide right off.
I was able to get away with having the fronts turned/trued, but the backs didn't have enough meat left on them to legally do that, so I had to replace them. Apparently they only allowed about .017 for wear on these rotors before replacement!
The local parts shop wanted $84.00 EACH to order in rotors for me...VBP has them for about $45 each plus shipping. I ordered mine from fastcorvette.com for $53.00 each with free shipping, super guy to work with.
You can find cheap rotors for around $30.00 per SET on E-bay (plus shipping), I don't know about the quality though.
Have fun!
-Roy
There is no need to replace them. You may find once the rivets are out that the rotor still seems immovable...30+ years of rust will do that ;) . Rather than trying to pry that sucker off, give it a couple of sharp whacks with a rubber mallet, and it will pop free and slide right off.
I was able to get away with having the fronts turned/trued, but the backs didn't have enough meat left on them to legally do that, so I had to replace them. Apparently they only allowed about .017 for wear on these rotors before replacement!
The local parts shop wanted $84.00 EACH to order in rotors for me...VBP has them for about $45 each plus shipping. I ordered mine from fastcorvette.com for $53.00 each with free shipping, super guy to work with.
You can find cheap rotors for around $30.00 per SET on E-bay (plus shipping), I don't know about the quality though.
Have fun!
-Roy
