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I have removed, reversed, and re-installed the
rear under-window panel , and used the Olympic rivets (with rubber washer) in a
standard pop riveting tool. On about half of them, the center stem broke off
below the surface of the rivet head (dome). Is this typical? They won't look
right with a dark center, and I doubt if any filler will look right. Am I doing
something wrong? I'm doing a steady, straight squeeze on the tool when
installing. Some are only 1/32" or so recessed, others are 1/16" or
more. Even without the rubber washer under the head, 1/4 of these would be below
the dome.
For the rivets with the stem broken off above
the surface (like it should be), I've been using a 100 grit 2" disc on
rubber mount (1/4" shaft) in a cordless drill, at slow speed, to flush the
stem to the head. I made a small "mask" to protect the panel and rivet
dome, using a small piece of 1/16" thick aluminum sheet. I cut a piece
about 3" x 6" and drilled a hole (3/8" I think) centered across
the 3" but offset towards one end (about 1 1/2" from end). Deburr
edges and soften corners also. I hold it over the rivet head with my left hand
while grinding the stem down with the drill in my right, slowing down as I get
close to flush. The mask prevents scarring the panel or roughing up the rivet
head. Intend to wet sand heads lightly with about 400 grit after that (using
same mask), and hopefully polishing will finish them up. Seems pretty easy, and
avoids the need to spend $175 on a rivet trimming tool.
Bob Harper
'62 Globetrotter in
SC
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