1968 gas door with rivets

[Russ S.]

Does anyone have a close up photo of the hinge rivets on an original gas door? I have an original but my rivets are not in good shape.

thanks

[Jack C.]

This was a spare that I picked up. Perhaps you can enlarge. They are just spin rivets with really no way to repair easily. My car is International Blue and this pix is Lemans Blue.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

Thanks. It is too hard to enlarge that picture and still see the rivets. I believe that I have a way of repairing the door bt want to insure that the rolled rivets are the correct size and shape when I do it. If you have a chance to get a close-up view I would love a photo or two.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

I recall a thread a while back in which John Hinckley posted a drawing of the tool used to round over the "rivets." It must eb int he archives someplace.

[Jack C.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

http://s1230.beta.photobucket.com/us...id002.jpg.html

Here you go.

[Jack C.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

Take a look at the link I posted.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

Here is a link to a detailed discussion of the 68 gas door rivet and "tool" design.

I still have 32 1968 gas door lids, and have done nothing with them yet. A project for a future date.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=75813

[Russ S.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

Thanks. I would think that new studs similar to the original studs formed in the gas door can be fabricated using aluminum. the top of the studs would match the original from the shoulder up. Below the shoulder the OD would need to be larger. The new studs would need a core on the bottom to slide over the original studs (cut off) in the gas lid. This way the "rivets" would look proper from the top (aluminum not pot metal) and the studs could be JB welded over the old studs. I do not have a solution for the flags.

Russ

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

The flag emblem is already solved; there is a very nice reproduction available (perhaps a bit too nice) with rivets already cast in it. I was thinking about using aluminum rivets, and "welding" then to the gas door where the old rivet was.

Items needs are four flat head aluminum pop rivets. I used to know the correct dimensions, and can measuere them again using one of the two NOS 68 gas doors that I have. I also have an NOS 68 gas door emblem.

So, the process would be something like:

Cut the old rivets down on the used gas door until the rivet barrel is flush with the rivet base.
Measure the thickness of the pop pivet head and machine the gas door rivet base down subtract that amount
Using an old gas door hinge, modified to allow access to the rivet heads, position the rivets on the gas door rivet bases,
Weld the rivets to the gas door.
Remove the modified hinge and finish whatever welding is needed
Paint the gas door the correct color.
Replate the gas door hinge as needed
Attach the gas door emblem to the gas door using the spin rivet tool (as in diagram)
Attach the gas door to the gas door hinge using the spin rivet tool.

Sounds easy..whaty can go wrong.

I understand that the failure rate when attaching these things at the factory was pretty high.

Note: the spin rivets for the gas door hinge definitely show signs of paint color, indicating that they were painted before being spun.

The bigger challenge is going to be the gas door retaining spring (to hold the door open). Those are also prone to failure.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

The original springs had too much surface area in contact with the hinge. This made it hard to open and close without too much pressure which broke the rivets. A modification to cut the lip on the spring would probably still provie enough resistance to hold the door open but reduce the stress. I have some parts and may experiment.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

A cut spring would be detectible. I was thinking about spreading the spring and reducing the tension somewhat.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

A few photos of one of my many project efforts....68 gas door restoration method

[Russ S.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

When you have a few monutes some time could you send me the dimensions of the original studs (ID, OD, shoulder to top, depth of center hole) from your NOS parts. thanks

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

Russ;

I haven't forgotten about you, just have a lot going on. I'll get you the measurements this weekend. Stay tuned...

[Edward M.]

Re: 1968 gas door with rivets

OK, here are the measurements, as best I can determine. All measurements made with vernier caliper, except inside diameter. Inside diameter measured using new drill bits. The rivets taper slightly from base to top of the rivet.

Inside Diameter - 1/16" > ID > 5/64" (1/16 drill bit is loose, 5/64 drill bit does not fit)

Outside diameter (at base of rivet) - 0.116 inches

Outside diameter (at top of rivet) - 0.106 inches

Height of rivet (from base to top) - 0.171 inches

Inside depth of rivet (using small wire and measuring length inside rivet) - 0.131 inches