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

["Richard Closson" <clossonmbs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bev
Take a look at www.rivetnuttool.com.
Riv Nuts are like 'mollie' fittings you use in a wall where you don't 
necessarily have access to the rear of the panel. I have used them for 
attaching awning arms, the license plate bracket, and access panels under 
the 'belly'. Use stainless screws and washers with a dab of anti corrosion 
treatment. This allows you to easily reopen and reseal an access panel.


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

> 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