rivet installation

[Todd L.]

I was looking on youtube for installation of rivets for the upper and lower "A" arm ball joints, but did not find anything. Does anyone know where there is instructions on this process to include the proper tools? How about aluminum rivets also?

Thanks

Todd

[Tracy C.]

Re: rivet installation

Todd, I've submitted an article to Vinnie on riveting balljoints. Cross your fingers that it comes out in the next issue.

tc

[Donald L.]

Re: rivet installation

No, I would not use aluminum rivets, they are not strong enough when the suspention rebounds they must be steel. Install is very easy with the tool sold by Zip and an air hammer. Maybe someone near you has the tool? They are not cheep for a one time use.

[William C.]

Re: rivet installation

I cheat and have Bair's install them, steel rivets and a VERY big press...

[Todd L.]

Re: rivet installation

No, I would not use aluminum rivets, they are not strong enough when the suspention rebounds they must be steel. Install is very easy with the tool sold by Zip and an air hammer. Maybe someone near you has the tool? They are not cheep for a one time use.

Just to clarify, the aluminum rivets I know are not used for the ball joints but for the various body panels, I do not know how they are installed either.

Todd

[William C.]

Re: rivet installation

Generally, aluminum rivets are only used in the body to attach metal brackets to the fiberglass panels. The rivet is available from most of the Corvette parts houses, and generally will need to be "prepped" by cutting them to proper length, and using a home-made tool for an air chisel and a solid backup behind the flat, applying the air hammer to peen the rivet. Factory like results can be managed without much practice. There is much on the archives on this, do a search on aluminum rivet install and see what comes up.

[James B.]

Re: rivet installation

This topic is something of interest to me too. Never could find a step-by-step video or photo source for the installation procedure of the rivets (particularly the aluminum body rivets).

[Donald L.]

Re: rivet installation

I bought the ball joint install kits from Zip with all the tools, you can use the air hammer attachment on the aluminum rivits also, you need 2 people one to back it up with a dolly bar (steel block) and the other with the air hammer, in a second it is finished and is perfet shape on both sides. Try a few off the car on a pc of fiberglass, you will become an expert in a few tries.