aluminum rivets

[Ted K.]

What is the shape of the aluminum rivets on the washer bracket and the supply tank bracket? I'm refering to the tail after it is upset, is it rounded/flat/waffle/or ? Is it the same for the rivets on each bracket? This is on a '66.
Thanks.

[Russ S.]

Re: aluminum rivets

They are a round mushroomed about(without measuring) 5/16 of an inch in diameter however they do vary as to the diameter of the mushroomed end.

[Ted K.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Thanks Russ.
A follow up question, LIC supplied rivets with a large flat head for the expansion tank, which I can see installing from the tire side of the fenderwell. The washer bracket rivets supplied are a small round head. Are these installed from the tire side of the fenderwell also? It seems to me the large flat head type rivet would be best on the washer bracket side also? Am I missing something?
Thanks for any help, I am replacing pop-rivets and want to do this right.

[Lynn H.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Ted,
Having researched, and installed (bucked) 1000's of these rivets over the years, I can offer ones mans opinion:
1-If you go through the assembly manuals for your year as well as others, you will find many different part numbers and styles of rivets used to hold metal reinforcements, and other parts to the fiberglass body.
2-While many cars will have the specified rivets in the designated spots, close inspection of a number of vehicles will show that different types of rivets will be used for the same application in the same model year.
3-If possibly, it is best to take note of the styles and lengths of rivets when disassembling. When not, examination of similar cars is very helpful, but you may see different rivets for the same application.
4-There are some appications on these cars that called for and used "pop-rivets", so you need to be observant in replacing some of these with rivets of the mechanical upset variety when concerned with originality.
5-The large head rivet that is most common, originally had more length variations than are currently available through the aftermarket parts sources. Buying the longer rivets and cutting to proper length is sometimes necessary. You also have to be pay attention to the head diameters on the large head rivets available from different sources. Many are approx.-1/2" in diameter, when originals are closer to 9/16". I found the ones I purchase from Volunteer to be the best. I was actually told I was permanently blackballed from purchasing from one supplier (mentioned earlier in this post), for asking them to check the head diameter before I purchased. They thought I was a nut (possibly some truth to that).
6-The rivets with mechanical (bucked) upset are ALWAYS upset on the side with the metal.
Certainly there is more, but this may be of some help.
Lynn

[Joe L.]

Re: aluminum rivets

5-The large head rivet that is most common, originally had more length variations than are currently available through the aftermarket parts sources. Buying the longer rivets and cutting to proper length is sometimes necessary. You also have to be pay attention to the head diameters on the large head rivets available from different sources. Many are approx.-1/2" in diameter, when originals are closer to 9/16". I found the ones I purchase from Volunteer to be the best. I was actually told I was permanently blackballed from purchasing from one supplier (mentioned earlier in this post), for asking them to check the head diameter before I purchased. They thought I was a nut (possibly some truth to that).

Lynn

Lynn-----


Yes, there was originally a PLETHORA of part numbers for these flat head aluminum rivets and the vast majority were never available in SERVICE from GM. The only difference was the length with each specific length designed for a specified "grip range". For PRODUCTION, I'm sure GM wanted to specify a rivet that was the exact proper length for every specific application in order to ensure quality and fast, sure assembly. Of course, the folks on the line probably learned that using the exact part number for each specific application was not necessary and was more trouble than it was worth. Ergo, deviations in the actually installed rivet for any application was probably quite common.

[Ted K.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Lynn,
Thanks for your insights, much appreciated!
1-The AM specifies Rivet #455624 for the windshield washer jar bracket. From the drawing it appears to be a large flat head rivet. The JM calls for round head rivets inserted from the tire side.

The AM specifies rivet #3828548 for the tank assembly bracket. From the drawing it appears to be a round head rivet. The JM only states "solid rivets not pop rivets". A 1965 air car I looked at yesterday has large flathead rivets in this location.

2-It seems to me that a large flathead rivet in both locations would offer the least chance of "rivet head pull thru"

3-My car's rivets had already been replaced with pop-rivets 20 years ago.
5-LIC sells round heads for the washer bracket and large 9/16" flatheads for the expansion tank braket.

Anyone have the specs for rivets 455624 and 3828548 ?

[Joe L.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Lynn,
Thanks for your insights, much appreciated!
1-The AM specifies Rivet #455624 for the windshield washer jar bracket. From the drawing it appears to be a large flat head rivet. The JM calls for round head rivets inserted from the tire side.

The AM specifies rivet #3828548 for the tank assembly bracket. From the drawing it appears to be a round head rivet. The JM only states "solid rivets not pop rivets". A 1965 air car I looked at yesterday has large flathead rivets in this location.

2-It seems to me that a large flathead rivet in both locations would offer the least chance of "rivet head pull thru"

3-My car's rivets had already been replaced with pop-rivets 20 years ago.
5-LIC sells round heads for the washer bracket and large 9/16" flatheads for the expansion tank braket.

Anyone have the specs for rivets 455624 and 3828548 ?

Ted-----


GM #455624 was an OVAL HEAD, aluminum river. The shaft was 3/16" OD and the length was 1/2". It was once available in SERVICE but was discontinued without supercession in 1983.

GM #3828548 was a FLAT HEAD, aluminum rivet. The shaft diameter was 3/16" and the length was 7/16". This rivet was never available from GM in SERVICE.

Dr. Rebuild has PERFECT reproductions of both of the above.

[Ted K.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Thanks Joe

Do you have any idea what's the diameter of the oval head rivet?

[Joe L.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Thanks Joe

Do you have any idea what's the diameter of the oval head rivet?

Ted-----


I do not know the head diameter of the oval head rivets. The head diameter of the flat head rivets is 1/2".

[Ted K.]

Re: aluminum rivets

Actually, LIC supplied oval head rivets, not round. They are 3/8" diameter, so it looks like LIC has it correct. I will put the flats on the tank bracket and ovals on the washer bracket.

Before I put the engine back in I'm trying to bring the under hood area up to spec....you all know about project creep....in June I had a 93.3 second flight beauty.....but now look at it. Ah well, I am on the way back up.

Thanks again everyone for your help!