C-1 rear cross member correct look rivets

[William R.]

Hi gang. I'm sure someone out there has replaced a rear cross member on a C-1. Mine is a "61". What is the best method for installation of the rivet to get the "correct" look?

[Donald H.]

Re: C-1 rear cross member correct look rivets

Hi gang. I'm sure someone out there has replaced a rear cross member on a C-1. Mine is a "61". What is the best method for installation of the rivet to get the "correct" look?

I am in the process of replacing the rear crossmember and thus rivets in my 1960. I have not done it yet, but the advice I got on another thread is that you do need to clinch the rivets and not simply weld them in if you plan to have the car judged. I.e. the judge can and will check.

One method that was recommended was to heat the rivet to cherry red with a torch then peen with a hammer. You will need something on the head as a bucking bar. I have a very large grade 8 bolt that I ground a semi circle into the tip to fit the head of the rivet and use to buck against the peening hammer of the other end. Of course I don't know how good this will work as I have not done it yet.

Don