frame

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 27, 2025 | 07:58 PM

48ford///

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Sep 2022

Posts: 19

Likes: 0

frame

I have to do some frame work on my 1979 f-150,I have to remove several brackets that are attached to frame which are riveted on, so which is the best way to remove those rivets

Sep 27, 2025 | 08:54 PM

Rubiranch

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,789

Likes: 3,398

From: South Central Utah

My friend had a cutting tip for his oxy/acetylene torch that he says works great, I've never seen it.
You might do a search for one.
Sorry I don't know the name of even have a picture of it.

Sep 28, 2025 | 01:06 AM

77&79F250

Moderator & parts slinger

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 50,243

Likes: 5,811

From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Blood, sweat, and tears is how it can end up. You can oxy torch cut the head smooth off, then heat the rest of the rivit and beat the pin out.

You can use a grinder and cut a X in the rivet head, chisel the 4 piece off, then heat and beat the pin out.

Hand held plasma cutter, set on 45 amps with a fine cut tip, and cut the head off and then gouge out the inner part of the rivet. Then tap out the rest.

Sep 28, 2025 | 09:36 AM

beartracks

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,635

Likes: 349

From: Albuquerque

I drill a small pilot throught the middle of the head and then use a bit that is close to the size of the shank that goes throught the hole.

Sep 28, 2025 | 11:56 AM

88grandmarquis

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,143

Likes: 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77&79F250

You can use a grinder and cut a X in the rivet head, chisel the 4 piece off, then heat and beat the pin out.

That technic works well. Took this approach when replacing a leaf spring mount on the '79.

Sep 28, 2025 | 02:15 PM

mac.motorworks

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 278

Likes: 83

When I shortened by 74 from long box to short box we had a number of rivets to remove. We did all of the above but found the best, cleanest way was to grind the rivet down flush with the frame and punch the rest of the rivet thru. Which side doesn't really matter (which ever side is easiest to grind) . Just make sure it's flush and it'll come out. Need a big hammer, and a good sized punch with a bit of a point. The plasma cutter idea was what I had originally planned to do but you risk messing up the frame hole so I'd avoid that.

Sep 28, 2025 | 04:48 PM

48ford///

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Sep 2022

Posts: 19

Likes: 0

ok thanks everybody

Trending Topics

This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.3k

6M
Odd knock/rattle at idle only after fully warmed up

26

321
vintage pics of days gone by

17.8k

1.7M
Automatic and Manaul TPS the Same?

16

184
TCU Telematics module

26

834

Sep 29, 2025 | 03:51 PM

flowney

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 2,217

Likes: 325

From: Central Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by beartracks

I drill a small pilot throught the middle of the head and then use a bit that is close to the size of the shank that goes throught the hole.

I do the same thing but first use two big hammers to slightly flatten the head of the rivet. This makes it easier to find the center so that pilot hole leads a bigger drill bit (c.1/2") to remove most of the head. Sometime I get real lucky and the head just falls off. An air hammer with a pointy bit clears the rivet remnants from the frame. I like this method because it doesn't leave any scars on the frame - just a clean hole.