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

["Bev Harris" <zia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've almost decided to bite the bullet and rip a hole in the belly of my 64 Sabre to get at the 
dump valve and plumbing.
1)  I seem to recall somebody saying what thickness aluminum to buy, and a good source.  
Anybody have any suggestions?
2)  I keep hearing 5/32" Olympic rivets.  Is that for the belly too?  And how much thickness 
should the rivet accommodate?
3)  Where I'd like to work, someone already had cut a square and then riveted a patch back 
on.  To get the patch off, did I read that I should use a 1/8" drill?  Do I just drill into the center 
of the rivet and it somehow miraculously falls out?  Could someone explain what I should 
expect as the steps?
4)  I've never riveted.  I went to my local Ace Hardware and they have several rivet tools for 
around $20 - $25.  One has a rotating head and looks essentially identical to one they sell on 
Vintage Trailer Supply.  (See 
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Swivel_Head_Riveter_p/vts-210.htm ).  I assume there 
are better tools, but am I going to kick myself if I buy this?  Also as a person of the female 
persuasion, I have small hands.  Am I going to need a long grip span and a lot  of stength to 
do this?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice ...

Bev
1964 Sabre