Re: [VAL] holes in belly pan

["Daisy Welch" <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi Terry,

I think the guys were kidding about the file, but the edges 
will be sharp, so be careful. If you were making this patch 
where a hand could reach it, filing the sharp edge ( and 
then cleaning out the file) would be a good idea.

The radius stuff just means he wants you to round the 
corners off with the nippers instead of leaving the pointy 
corners, and then smooth the edges with the file. All this 
is nice, but not necessary. We all have to find our own 
comfort level with details.

As for the size. for a 1" dia hole, I would be inclinded to 
cut a 3" or 4" square ( or circle, then you don't have to 
worry about the radius of the corners ;]..)

You don't need to use the olympic rivets, plain old aluminum 
pop rivets from the hardware store are fine. ( Once you get 
into this pop rivet stuff, you will find yourself using it 
for other stuff, not just the trailer)

The rivets can be 1" appart and 1/4" from the edge is fine.

Drill the(1/8") holes in the patch first: laying the patch 
on a piece of wood to do it.

You may want to practise the riveting technique ( not that 
it's that hard ) on some scraps first so you are not trying 
a new trick upside down in a tight space.

Now, take the rivet gun, the rivets, the drill, the patch 
and the caulk under the trailer with you. AND SAFETY GLASSES!

Place the patch over the hole and drill through two opposing 
holes of the patch into the belly pan. ( check that you can 
slide the rivets in. ) Spread a bead of caulk on the edges 
of the patch, dip the fat tip of two rivet into a little 
caulk. Put the patch in place, and put the rivets into the 
holes.  Slide the rivet gun over the nailish end of the pop 
rivet, all the way down, and push all the way until the 
gun's nose is against the patch, and the patch is tight to 
the belly pan. Keeping the nose pushed flush with the patch, 
squeeze the handles together, release, push down again, 
squeeze. Repeat until you hear a snap and the gun will be 
free. Ta da, you just did your first rivet ! Now rivet the 
other hole, don't forget the caulk.

To finish, drill through the rest of the holes and rivet 
them too. Wipe off the excess caulk.

Can you tell I used to teach high school Industrial Arts ?

It's easier to do than to explain and it is really the only 
way to do these repairs.  You can see what happened when 
someone used screws.

Good luck,
Daisy