Aluminum rivet installation

[Ed S.]

Need advice on rivet installation.

I need to install two 3/16 dia soft aluminum rivets on my '64 convert. Rivets will secure a small metal bracket to underside of the fiberglass passenger floorboard - the large flat metal inner splash shield bolts to the bracket when installed.

I've read a number of threads in this forum re "how to install soft aluminum rivets". All advise using a bucking bar and a pneumatic rivet gun. Don't own a rivet gun - could rent one. But, to ensure the installed rivet looks correct (JG correct), the flattened side of the rivet needs to be rounded over.

One thread recommends using an LIC rivet setting tool to achieve the correct look. Tool PN is 55-02A. However, the short instructions in the LIC PDF catalog states;

"This tool rounds over the rivet for original look. Use with hammer, place block of steel behind head of rivet, put tool over other end, strike with hammer. (These are soft aluminum rivets - do not use air tool)".

For anyone that has experience with this tool, or soft 3/16 aluminum rivets & a rivet gun, my question is: is it better to use a pneumatic rivet gun to install these 2 rivets or can it be done with the LIC tool (and a hammer) and a bucking bar?

[Bob R.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

I would not use the rivet gun on aluminum rivets. These rivets are very soft and a hammer is more than enough to round the end. I used an old chisel ground the end flat and used a drill bit to create a concave end. If the rivet is too long for your application you may want to shorten it. I had to shorten them to get the appearance correct.

[Ed S.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

Bob,
That sounds logical (and reasonable) and I can fabricate / modify a punch as you describe. But to elaborate a bit on my specific application, the flat head of the rivet will sit on the (interior) floor of the car. I can't put it against anything that is immovable like a mounted vice. I would have to have someone hold the bucking bar against the rivet head while I hammer the rivet flat from underneath the car. In this situation, do you think the bucking bar will provide enough resistance to hold the rivet in place so the other end flattens nice & tight?

[Anthony D.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

Do you definitely need the round over look? Volunteer vette carries a set to use with a 1lb hammer that gives a different profile that i need for my 72 coupe rear window tray. Part number is tl40. As far as length of rivet you should be able to get it from the aim and snip the rivets with normal cutting pliers. The originals are very soft some repros not so much.

Good luck

[Bob R.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

I used the head of a hammer as a bucking bar successfully. You are using a hammer so there isn't that much force on the rivet. You can always experiment with a few it's not difficult to remove and replace if you don't like to look of the first attempt.

[Alan S.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

Hi Ed,
I've had good results using the setting tool that LIC sells.
Regards,
Alan

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

Ed,
You can purchase an air chisel for under $10 at Harbor Freight (with 20% off coupon) and hollow out 1 of the chisels supplied with tool. Adjust the air pressure way down (you may have to experiment a bit here) and you will get a factory like result. I have used this on many rivets in various locations on my '69 and have had great results.
Jeff

[Joe R.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

Jeff,

Bingo, been using that exact same air hammer and method for years. Didn't know it didn't work until I read this thread!

JR

[Jack J.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

On the same note, just got an estimate for body work including installing 4 new mounts(1& 4)@ $60.00/hour = $240.00!!!!!!!! I do realize it' s a 2 man job BUT------------ Jack J.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Aluminum rivet installation

If you are a one man show, the air chisel works as described in the post above. I used a sacrificial rivet to test the waters and about 35 PSI is a good starting point. I have the aircraft air rivet set and the cheap ones sold and can't tell the difference.

Dom