How do you folks install the front sidepipe bracket rivets on a C2 to pass judging. I need to re-install mine. I was going to purchase a hammer-like tool for my air hammer at my local NAPA store but thought to ask first.

thanks

john lolli


[Modified by JL66REDCPE, 4:55 PM 6/5/2002]

 

John
I have an assortment of concave rivet tools that fit any conventional air chisel. I have a flow control / line regulator that allows pressure adjustment at the chisel. Place the finished rivet head on a solid metal surface that has enough weight to "buck" the chisel, start the pressure at approximately 40 psi. You will be impressed with the results.
The riveting tools are available through most tool supply houses and aircraft supply
jer

 

Jer

Thanks -- 40 lbs -- wow -- good thing I asked. I was going to just fire away at 90. Good technique.

 

John
There may be a bit of a learning curve, more to adjust everything to your liking than anything else and two people, one to hold the cover upright helps. The aluminum rivets can bend easily and, depending on what length of the rivet that was supplied to you I suggest you cut the rivet so only about 1/4" extends past the bracket when assembled otherwise it will almost certainly bend the rivet. The end result will be virtually undetectable from factory
Rosy the Riveter

 

TRI POWER,

For the rivets, where did you get the tools and is it something I could get at Sears? I just went to a small local tool place and they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. I have the same problem in the engine compartment of my 74. I have to attach the brackets that hold the vacuum hoses for the headlights. If you have any more tips or even a picture of the tools it would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you in advance!!

 

74L82:
The impact chisel / air hammer is available anywhere tools are sold including Sears. I purchased the rivet tools on the net and have been searching for the site, I will fins it for you.
Probably the biggest help is to make certain the rivets are not too long and the in line miniature regulator is a must. They are inexpensive and will allow you to start slow and work to a pressure that produces the best results. I have just used this method on several sets of MY wiper arms, had the hubs rechromed leaving the pivot rivet to deal with.... These rivets are stainless and .@ $4.00 each learning is not the point here. The end result can not be distinguished from original.
I won't forget the site info
jer

 

A picture of a pneumatic hammer/chisel is easy- the riveting attachment isn't as easy. There is, however, an pneumatic aircraft rivet gun. I wonder how that would work, Jer?





[Modified by Mac, 7:21 PM 6/7/2002]

 

Okay, since we're talking rivets here, I've ordered a complete "flat head" rivet set for my '67 - seat belt retainer brackets, seat-mount brackets, driver's side wiring harness metal clips for the long cover (underneath carpet near door sill), etc. Some spots will be tough to get to from underneath the body. Who's done this on a midyear?......and how?

Did I mention that I found repo 1967 SEAT TRACKS? :lol: :smash: :blueangel:

 

Hi Guys
Here is the source:

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/se...ORY=Rivet+Sets

they have all kinds of riveting accessories
Good Luck
jer

 

Yep, 67- but I remember why you need 'em, so don't get too full of it!

By the way, 67, I see your missing 20% has reappeared. :eek:




[Modified by Mac, 7:10 PM 6/7/2002]

 

You just can't keep a good man down. :lol:

 

Someone suggested that this is the correct method for riveting :confused:

:D

 

Tony,

I have looked all over South Jersey for a rivet setting tool that attaches to my air hammer without luck. I am currently communicating with an outfit in Kansas City called RL Aviation Supply. They have them in various lengths. Since you live close, you might want to try going to Atlantic Aviation at the airport and ask one of the mechanics where he got his. Any mechanic that works on airframes will probably have one. I just recvd the email from RL this morning, when I know more I will post. IN the meantime I am going to check out the website that was posted previous to my post.

3X2427 - thanks for posting the website

john lolli

 

If memory serves, you need a bucking bar on the inside, in addition to the riveting tool, to achieve the proper effect. Is that right, Jer?? :smash:

 

Mac:
John described the process as having been done differently than you, (or I), might expect. Evidently the factory "bucked" the raw rivet end and hammered the finished head. This technique, although tried, eludes me. I buck the finished head and hammer the raw rivet end.
The bucking bar is really unnecessary as any assortment of hammers will do as long as access is not limited. In the case of the side pipe cover bracket I placed a steel plate about 1/2" thick on the concrete floor with the finished rivet head on the plate protruding through the cover bracket and cover, had the mrs. Jer hold the assembly upright and gun hammered the inside. It doesn't require much to roll the rivet and when done the aluminum rivets are smooth and look almost polished.
Good weekend to all
jer :cheers:

 

I have a 3/16 rivet set tool 5.5" long being shipped out to me. It is used with my air hammer. It is also listed on the website that 3x2-427 kindly posted for us (Thanks much for the post). I plan to use a similar technique as he described with one small change. The metal piece that I place on the floor has a 7/16 hole drilled approx 1/8 - 3/16 deep to support the finished side of the rivet. Certainly not really needed, however someone suggested I do that and it made sense. I also have a home made buck of 2"W x 6"L x 1"T of cast iron that I can hold in my hand for on the car type requirements. It also has the 7/16 hole in it.

thanks everyone for the posts.

john lolli

 

Mornin John:
Remember that the finished head is the one you will see from the inside fender. If the plate you have drilled has been done with a standard pointed bit you may run the risk of deforming the rivets head while peening over the unfinished end, just a suggestion for consideration.
jer

 

ger

excellent point -- thanks. Sounds like no hole is the safe way to go.

john lolli

 

JER,

Thanks for all your knowledge and the website too, I appreciate it!! That's exactly what I was looking for. I have the air hammer, so I'll order the attachement and get the adjustable regulator at the gun. I will also cut down the rivets as you suggested. I thought they looked a little long for what I was doing. I guess GM just used a few sizes of the rivets and cut them down for the different applications. This should make my job much easier as I was placing a dolly on the back side of the rivet and hammering the front side with a regular hammer. Needless to say the results were less than spectacular. Is there any certain size tools you recommend for these rivets?? I know John had said he ordered a 3/16 tool that is 5.5" long...........the only rivets I am doing would be the engine compartment rivets for now, as all the others are in pretty decent shape. Thank you once again for all of your information, it is very much appreciated.

John,

Thank you for your info also, I didn't even think of AA until you mentioned it. I think I will try ordering from the website that JER provided. Just one less thing I can take care of now instead of running around looking for it. I also wanted to mention that you have a beautiful Corvette. Is that the Wal Mart on Rt 541 on the website? I visit NJ pretty often since my girlfriends family is from Cherry Hill. There is a big show next weekend at Echelon Mall that I will be taking my Firehawk to. Normally a really nice show to go to if you have some free time on Saturday.

Thanks everyone else for your info also!! It's amazing the amount of information that is available here!!

 

Tony Z

You're welcome. Also, thanks for the kind words re the car. The Wal Mart you see in the picture is located in Cross Keys / Turnersville. The Rollin Rods Street Rod club hosts a cruise there once a month. It is huge -- like Fox Run in Delaware if you know where that is. The next cruise there is this Friday at 6:00 pm. GET THERE EARLY if you are going.

I plan to go to the Echelan Mall show. That is another really huge show !!!!!!!!

regards

john lolli