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Discussion Topic:
Frame rivet removal
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dso72 |
07-11-2015 @ 3:52 PM
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Member
Posts: 37
Joined: Oct 2009
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I'm replacing a damaged frame support and wanted some good advice on removing the rivets without damaging the frame. I was thinking of grinding the head off the rivet, heating the area and driving out the shaft of the rivet with a pin punch. Maybe a little heat and then some PD Blaster then try to drive out the rivet? Any help would be great. Thanks
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kubes40 |
07-11-2015 @ 4:49 PM
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Senior
Posts: 3406
Joined: Oct 2009
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Grinding the head off is a good idea if you are not confident you can center punch the head accurately and subsequently drill the rivet out. I strongly suggest you drill the rivet out. Start with a small drill bit and work up in increments. Stop when you are within a 1/16" of the actual rivet diameter. That rivet "swelled" when it was swedged in place and any attempt at "knocking it out" will be met with frustration on your part.
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Stroker |
07-11-2015 @ 5:01 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1460
Joined: Oct 2009
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dso72: I believe your removal method will work well. Just don't enlarge the holes that the rivets passed through.The virtues of rivets verses bolts is that they expand radially when installed and "upset". This can make them hard to simply punch-out, as they are an interference fit with the hole once expanded. This makes a rivet vastly superior to bolts, as bolts only provide a clamping force. Consider replacing the rivets rather than simply bolting or welding the replacement piece.
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Shark |
07-13-2015 @ 4:14 AM
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Member
Posts: 38
Joined: Nov 2009
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Contact Jim Dix @ Big Flats Rivet Co. They have what you need.
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dso72 |
07-13-2015 @ 1:26 PM
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Member
Posts: 37
Joined: Oct 2009
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Thank you all for your comments. Really great stuff! I will drill out the rivets and install new rivets; no bolts or welding. Thanks for the rivet/riveting tool source too.
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