Body Reinforcement #4 - Rivet Installation

[Tom L.]

I'm replacing the body reinforcements for the #4 body mounts on a 1970 convertible. The interior reinforcements are undisturbed and the convertible top deck lid springs and hinge assemblies are still in place.

I can't figure out how to install the proper style rivets in the vertical portions of the reinforcement. It seems as there's no way to get in there to place or hold the rivets during compression. I have attached a diagram from the assembly manual to show what I'm talking about.

The rivets need to go through both reinforcements and sandwich the fiberglass. I don't know how to install the rivets that should be going from the inside out. The rear rivet can be replaced with a correctly sized pop rivet from the outside, but the two that are circled are visible from in the wheel well. I'd like to install the proper style rivets there, can anybody tell me how? Thanks.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Body Reinforcement #4 - Rivet Installation

Just remove the spacer and all the parts inside and I think you will find a way as I have done this job. I recall some of the rivet heads may be sandwiched between fiberglass.

[Robert M.]

Re: Body Reinforcement #4 - Rivet Installation

Hi Tom;
Just installed the mounts on my 68 last weekend, the 2 rivets are inserted from the inside and I used a bolt which i tucked up underneath the deck lid hinge support and held it up against the head of the rivet and used a hammer to peen the rivets over as I didn't have enough room to get my air hammer in there. The deck lid was off and I had the hinges out of the car.
Bob

[Tom L.]

Re: Body Reinforcement #4 - Rivet Installation

Thanks for the advice. It's greatly appreciated.