My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: PaulS on September 23, 2016, 11:33:19 AM

Title: frame rivets
Post by: PaulS on September 23, 2016, 11:33:19 AM

I'm replacing the front bumper and rear frame member on my Jeep.  The replacement parts came with rivets.  I had been planning on bolting them on, but I might as well give the rivets a try.  Are there any good instructions out there as to how to install them?

And how about removing the old ones?  I only have to deal with the rear, as there was not an original front bumper.  Can I just grind the old rivets off, or is there a better way?

Thanks,

-Paul

Title: Re: frame rivets
Post by: specialty on September 23, 2016, 11:44:04 AM

I grinded my old rivets out and and the punched them through.As far as the rivets go I had a guy respond to one of my post about those rivets and he said it was not bad. I think you need a tool though which he said I could borrow. I will see if I can find him.
Ronnie

Title: Re: frame rivets
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on September 23, 2016, 02:00:15 PM

I replaced the rear cross member on the Model A Ford. 1/4" rivets.

You need to have a good source of heat. A hand mapp or propane torch isn't enough. Oxy acetylene is best.

And you need a good air hammer or a rivet gun is best but expensive..I used an air hammer....

As you might guess there is technique involved. I found that too much pushing on the air hammer did not help. Its best to hold a little pressure and let the hammer do the work.

Some rivets turned out real nice, some not so nice...but they hold well enough.

Some more info and installation instructions here..

http://www.bigflatsrivet.com/

Big Flats also sells a bucking tool....It worked well enough in the right places.

Here you can see the tool and a couple nice and not-so-nice rivets.