Rivet question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 174
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From: Palo Alto, CA
Rivet question
I'm installing a lift kit on a bronco and I have to remove three rivets. I got the bottom part of the rivets off using an air hammer and a rivet remover adapter. Now where im stuck is, do I have to drill the rest of the rivet out or should I just be able to use a punch and get it out that way?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Springfield, OR
You didnt say how big the rivets are, but if you have the head or the tail knocked off, you should be able to drive it out with a punch. Keep in mind that when rivets are installed, the body swells in the hole so it will be in there real tight. You need to be able to really give it some hard whacks with a punch and maybe a junior sledge hammer. If you have a clear shot at either end of the rivets, another easier way is to grind of the head or tail with a big rotary grinder, then whack away.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 675
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From: Springfield, OR
When I did my Tanny swap, I removed the C6 supports from the frame and removed the rivets. They were 1/2 inch I think. I removed them 2 ways. I got a big 10 inch rotary grinder from Harbor freight and ground off the tails flat with the frame. It took about 5 minutes each one. Then I would whack it with a punch & sledge but you need a straight shot at it and you gotta really hit it hard. If you have access to a plasma cutter or go to a shop that does, they can blast out the guts of the tail with a straight in shot which weakens it and then it punches out easy, but it helps alot to grind the tail off first. If the guys careful he wont hurt the frame. Trying to drill them out is agony.
Last edited by T18skyguy; Feb 7, 2006 at 09:03 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: West Chester PA
If the head is gone you can punch it out. I bought a rod probably about 3/8 diameter by 2 feet long to use as a punch. It was long enough to stick way out of the fender well so that I could really give it a good whack. Worked like a champ...
good luck!
Matt
good luck!
Matt
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
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From: Greenbush, Minnesota
Yep, you just need a big punch. When I removed the shackels on the rear of my F-150 I ground the heads off the rivets and pounded them out. Took a little elbow grease but they came out. I also used a little heat on the frame and that seemed to help them pop out easier....
JEV
JEV
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 749
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From: Phoenix, Az
Popped a lot of rivets back in days gone by. Used an air chisel to cut off the head, then the round punch (in air chisel) to push them out.
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Posting Guru
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From: charlotte, nc
those rivets ar a pain. when i replaced the rear shock mount i punched a pilot hole in them, then used the 1/2 inch drill to drill them out the rest of the way, and if i couldnt get some of them drilled out i just used a cold chisel and pounded em out.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Palo Alto, CA
so after try desperatly with an air hammer and punch bit, i drilled the rivets out about half way then one hit with the air hammer and they came flying out, all is good now and the lift is almost complete, thanks for the help!