How do you install frame rivets

I need to replace the front crossmember on my '37 Buick. It's riveted in and I would like to install the replacement with rivets. I know I can use hardened bolts, grade 5 minimum. I can also use button heads to get a rivet look but I want to use rivets. I've search the forum and only found threads about riveting sheet metal. Can anyone give a description on the procedure of installing actual rivets? Or a link to a web site?

Thanks

 

i've always heated the rivets cherry red,use a bucking bar and an air hammer with a rivet tool attachment. very easy process that one guy can do.
keep the bar on the rivet shank and buck it down till she's flattened out . use bolts in the holes to keep it aligned and remove them when your ready for a rivet.

once the riveting starts it's a bitch to line up if you don't keep the bolts in.

 

I usually fake it with bolts but if you've just got to have the real thing.....
http://www.hansonrivet.com/

 

well if you are only doing a few, thats what the ball end of a ball peen hammer is for.DUH

 

http://www.bigflatsrivet.com/ This site has rivets and riveting tools.

 

Just Google Big Flats Rivet Co. GREAT People with everything you need.

 

Bob - I'll agree that Big Flats is the place to get your stuff. Here's a few good discussions on the subject. Even if it is a Buick. Have you been in contact with Dave Lewis? Stu

http://www.abarnyard.com/roadster/frame.htm
http://www.ballardforge.com/web/rivets.html
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...gth-differences-between-169359.html?p=1007992

 

Long time no hear!

 

set on favorites. Cool stuff. Thanks.

 

Owen - I emailed you a while back checking on you and the family but never heard so I figured you'd moved, changed email, or something. Maybe got lost in the spam. So, how've you been? Drop a note if you would. Stu

 

That's it! (Janis Joplin exclaimed; as she completed her rendition of "Lord Won't You buy me a Mercedes Benz)

One rivet at a time. Air hammer makes it easier, but not required, I've done it with a claw hammer.

 

good stuff to know

 

Was looking through a catalog from Restoration Supply Co. today and noticed that they sell "Threaded rivets" (basically a bolt with a rivet head) in Stainless steel.
Lots of sizes up to 5/16 X 2"

 

If you use a claw hammer did just mash the head flat? Do you have to heat the whole rivet cherry red, or just the shaft, that way the red shaft takes the beating and becomes the only part that deforms and the head stays relatively the same shape?

 

Master Carr is a good source for rivets and your local implement dealer usually can sell you small quantity's. Bolting the cross member in and even put a few weld is some hidden areas is a great idea before you buck the first rivet. Once the rivet is through the hole you want 1 1/2 times the diameter sticking out so trim them to length first. a small welding tip works great to heat the up set side a nice controlled flame. practice on some scrap first and look at the other rivets on the frame to tell how much they are bucked or what style the upset head has once you start riveting things together it is hard to stop they look great and kinda fun to do.

 

kind of hard to isolate the shaft on a rivet when trying to heat one.

 

Heat the entire rivet real hot, but don't need to be white-hot. Don't pick it up with your fingers, use pliers. Poke it in the hole. Hold a bucking bar against the head firmly. Hit the end that came through the other side.

 

Why not?







Just kidding

 

because its heavy lol.

 

you'll only do it once.

 

This guy did it on a chevy. check the link about 1/2 way down the page
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/225162/

 

I've got to go with hotrod-Linkin on this one. Heat the thing till it's cherry red than hit it with an air hammer. The whole process only takes a minute.