Re: [SilverStreak] Belly aluminum? And about riveting ...

["Bev Harris" <zia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Scott,

Thanks for the info.  Very helpful (I hope!)

Bev

----- Original Message ----- 

> I have never done this, but I work in a sheet metal shop and will give
> advice where I am familiar with!
> 
> 1)If you are able to not damage the piece you want to remove- your best bet
> is to reuse it. I can still see the "snapped" chalk lines on my belly skin
> of my 69, so chances are the holes were hand drilled in place and
> match-drilling another piece may be difficult.
> 2)sorry no help here
> 3)Drill the center of the rivet. If the rivet body is 1/8" then 1/8" drill
> would work.  When you drill the rivet, you'll actually be drilling the rivet
> head and body out, and pushing the mandrel head into the compartment behind
> the skin. You'll be able to get to 'em after the piece of skin has been
> removed. see link.  By The Way! Use a sharp drill bit! And a plug in drill!
> Battery-powered cordless drills just don't have the rpms.  If you don't, the
> head of the rivet will just spin making drilling out the rivet body very
> annoying.
>      http://www.gesipausa.com/rivetlg.jpg
> 4)The rotating head is nice for tight areas but may not be necessary.  I
> wouldn't spring for a nicer tool, they exist, but not for the scope of this
> project.  If we're talking aluminum rivets, you shouldn't have any problems
> pulling/squeezing the handles.  Just some tips on setting rivets:   Make
> sure the rivet puller is pushed up flush with the material you're riveting
> (don't "hover").  And after everytime you squeeze the handles, release them
> fully so that you can choke back up on the mandrel to get another squeeze at
> it.
> 
> -good luck
> -scott