Does anyone know what tool is used to install the correct VIN tag rivets? i have a new VIN plate from Marti and the correct rivets but not the tool. I only have pop rivets and know I will fail a VIN inspection if those are used. Any suggestions?

 

I have the same issue. I changed doors years back and kept the oe plate and need to install it on my new doors. Waiting to hear answers.
Google:

 

That's just a warranty plate installed on an easily & often removed & swapped door. The sticker on the cab to the rear of the door is more permanent, but the real thing is stamped in the top side of the frame over on the right side rail. It could be under the seat area, or along side the engine.

I cleaned (used brake cleaner I think) & reused my OEM plate on my new door with 3/16" pop rivets before the new rivets showed up USPS. Hole locations were dimples.

The original type rivet from Marti takes a flat faced pin punch that just fits inside the outer rim & gently tap the raised center inwards which spreads it inside. I'm sure Ford didn't do it by hand, but maybe? Don't hit it too hard, and stop when the center is flat in there.



Same warranty plate, lighting changed it. Brake Kleen didn't phase the black anodizing.

I see in post #8 below, they do make hollow rivet punches. Another thought is use a long #10 machine screw that fits into the rivet, thread two nuts to lock against each other to create a limiter, and once set to desired depth, use it as a punch? Like wise a 10p nail, smooth the point, and cut / drill a scrap of wood to limit depth.

 

When you buy the rivets from Marti you should also get instructions. Here is a video:

 

That should do it. I don't recall seeing instructions, but some guys are like that.

 

I just bought a set from Marti. $8 with postage. My correct metal tag (in 1975 there was no sticker tag) was in my truck ashtray for years, ever since I changed the doors. I thought it would be nice to have the right tag on the vehicle. Mine is diff than the one in the photo. Mine has the vin top left, and the metal tag is not as tall as the one shown. I assume that one was from a later model.

 

Mine pictured above is 1977 and the vin is top left, I just obliterated some part of the vin for the picture. The sticker I mentioned is on the cab, not door ... but on the door jamb, below the door strike post. Reason I speculate is more permanent is doors get swapped / replaced a lot.

 

Maybe get this one? https://www.zoro.com/prime-line-stee.../i/G500934499/

Cheaper one.

 

If you have a set of transfer punches, one of those will work as well. $13 at Harbor Freight

 

You guys do all the research for me and find what I need ahead of me. Thx. My truck is a 75 and I have zero sticker in the jamb.
P.S. I googled 'when did Ford begin replacing vin plates with stickers' and G says 1970-71. Huh. I wonder what happened to my sticker. When truck got hit and the insurance guy came and looked, he only looked at the metal plate and did not mention a sticker.

 

Don't know, but my '77 had & still has both, I just taped over it at paint time. That's the original CA red showing and then in 1989 that buddy taped it off to paint the white, then in 2022 it was taped over a little closer & parallel to the edges. Is the door strike above it and door spray lube collects grime.

 

My tag is in good shape but I just changed doors. So can I just order rivets?

 

Sure!

 

I would say yes if you want the same that Ford used. Marti Auto sells the repop tags/stickers and also sells the rivets.