Frame work started
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Frame work started
Just starting to remove the old stuff on my 49 so I can install a MII and was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to remove the rivets, I don't have a cutting torch so if someone has a tip using normal hand tools that would be greatly appreciated!
Take er easy
Take er easy
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,972
Likes: 9,791
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Take an angle grinder with a cut off wheel in it, make a couple of crosscuts in the rivet head, smack it with a hammer and chisel to knock of the scored pieces. then you can take a hammer and punch and knock out the body of the rivet. You could also grind a small flat spot on the rivet head, use a center punch to mark it and then drill it out.
Good luck with it, its loud and dirty work
Bobby
Good luck with it, its loud and dirty work
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
If you don't have one, a 4" angle grinder can be purchased for <40.00, and is worth every penny! buy a handful of 1/16" cutoff disks and a 1/4" thick grinding wheel as well as a couple grits of flap disks when you buy the unit. Keep it handy you'll be reaching for it constantly for cutting grinding and sanding tasks. I use mine so much I bought a second one so I could keep a cutoff wheel on one and a flap disk on the other so I wouldn't have to swap disks so often. I buy my cutoff disks and flap wheels online they are much cheaper that way (you'll go thru a lot of them). I use http://stores.ebay.com/Lehigh-Valley-Abrasives for mine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Originally Posted by AXracer
a 4" angle grinder can be purchased for <40.00, and is worth every penny! buy a handful of 1/16" cutoff disks and a 1/4" thick grinding wheel as well as a couple grits of flap disks when you buy the unit. .
The Sears unit is used the least!
You do have to be careful - I see that HF has two different models, with the cheaper one about $1.00 less. The more expensive one has more power and will fit a 4 1/2 inch head - well worth the extra $1.
Please take the money you save and buy a full face mask for protection - I also wear a hat to keep the filings out of my hair too.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
From: Too far north of I-10
Make sure you use a good punch too; Craftsman or equivalent. Hold it in place with a set of vise-grips and whack it with a 5 lb sledge.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Originally Posted by Code3
Hold it in place with a set of vise-grips and whack it with a 5 lb sledge.
What, no guts?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Ditto on the HF 4 1/2" angle grinders. I also have four of them, each with a different setup on it (cutoff wheel, flapper disk, grind stone, cup brush).
HF also sells an inexpensive air hammer that works really well. Saves a lot of scraped knuckles and smashed fingers. It comes with the punches and chisels you'll need for those pesky rivets. Replace them with grade 8 bolts when you reassemble.
HF also sells an inexpensive air hammer that works really well. Saves a lot of scraped knuckles and smashed fingers. It comes with the punches and chisels you'll need for those pesky rivets. Replace them with grade 8 bolts when you reassemble.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
From: Too far north of I-10
Originally Posted by WillyB
What, no guts?
Last edited by Code3; Jun 28, 2006 at 08:02 PM.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 108
From: Northshore, MN
with a backing pad, 24 grit open coat sanding discs(SAIT is the brand we use) make quick work of any metal in its path. Compared to a hard wheel they leave less of a gouge. We all use hitachi electric grinders at work. They weigh a little less than most others, and last a long time. And like Ax said, buy in bulk...lots cheaper.(box of 25 for $20)
Last edited by havi; Jun 28, 2006 at 09:25 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the replies, ground the heads off and used an air chisel to shoot the rivets across the shop. I did find out that a 3lb hammer can make blood shoot out from under your fingernail. Rookies always do things the hard way!
Take er easy
Take er easy
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Originally Posted by Code3
Vice grips! See *****?! Look what you made him do! 
