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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Vent handle replacement

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Old May 19, 2019 | 05:52 PM
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Vent handle replacement

Realized one of my vent handle posts was missing when I went to start building doors (hate when that happens). Ordered new one from Midfifty — of course after I placed a small order a few days before.

Anyway, dumb question: I have a rivet gun in the ol’ toolbox but have never used one before. Looks simple enough (thanks YouTube), but not sure about what they sent me — rivets need the long post to insert in tool, so what’s with these pieces? They look like just caps?


 
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Old May 19, 2019 | 06:02 PM
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I think those are the type that you hammer flat.
 
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Old May 19, 2019 | 06:32 PM
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Hmm. Really? So I guess just use a flat punch of sorts to get into the channel?

Originally Posted by abe
I think those are the type that you hammer flat.
 
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Old May 19, 2019 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by GoldCo
Hmm. Really? So I guess just use a flat punch of sorts to get into the channel?
I think... But you better hear from someone else here also!
 
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Old May 19, 2019 | 08:52 PM
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The rivet with the long stem through it is a "Pop Rivet". What they sent you is a semi-tubular rivet. (I'm assuming the end is hollow)

If you don't have the machine to install them, you just need a tool that starts the rivet to flair, then finish it with a hammer. If the rivet is inside the frame, where you can't get to it with the hammer, you can use a flat punch.

I use a center punch to start mine:



Honestly, you can make your own tool to do it out of an old bolt. Cut the threads off and grind a point into it on a bench grinder.
 
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Old May 19, 2019 | 09:04 PM
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Here is a video. It's a tubular (hollow) rivet, but it's the same concept.



He even made his own tool with an old bolt.
 
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Old May 20, 2019 | 10:15 AM
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Many of the places that sell the tubular rivets sell a kit with the proper tool. Usually pretty cheap. You can get by as instructed above and make a tool or use the center punch to start the flare and a flat punch to finish as EffieTrucker suggested.
 
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Old May 20, 2019 | 07:16 PM
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Good info in this thread. I am going to be doing this job also soon. Thanks!!
 
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