Chassis Rivits? How do I get the friggers out?

[new45]

Hi all,

Im having some trouble with chassis rivets, I have grinded the tops off but the steering box isnt budging!

Do I have to totally drill them out?

In which case what sized drill bit should I use.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

You're going to probably need to drill them out...Typically I start with a smaller bit to get a "pilot hole" going, and then progressively move up in size until the offending rivet/broken bolt cracks or falls out. Starting with a large bit is risky, because you risk boring out the surrounding metal if you weren't perfectly centered on the rivet in the hole.

 

[sometlc]

Big hammer.

 

[brian]

hammer, punch and a little sweat.

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

Big hammer.

X2,
I usually drill a little ways with a 3/8 bit and hit it with an old 3/8" extension (hold w/ vice grips) and a big hammer or an air chisel.

 

[tnkayaker]

2x on air chisel. Makes it go a little faster.

 

[trainrech]

Air hammer/muffler gun with a punch bit will rattle the rivet right out after you have ground the head off.

 

[edwjmcgrath]

air tools rule.

 

[new45]

So I dont have to totally drill them out?

No compressor at the moment, waiting for it to get fixed.

So I should start with a 6mm and then work up to a 10mm, the whole time trying to knock the sucker out with a big hammer and chisel of some sorts.

 

[sometlc]

You can also try heat. But if the hammer dont work get a bigger hammer. lol
They are a bugger sometimes. Make sure you ground enough off.

Wait a minute….. I re-read your post. Are you taking the steering box mount off? I assume the steering box is off(4 bolts). The mount has rivits on the top and sides. Once you have 2 off (top os sides) the other 2 are easier.

 

[lcwizard]

No not completely out. Use a 5/16~ 3/8 bit and drill as deep as the thickness of the parts it holds together. Make sure the punch you use is smaller than the pilot hole or when you hammer on the punch you'll expand the rivet. drilling the center allows the rivet to collapse inward as you drive it out.

as edwjmcgrath already stated "air tools rule.. especially in this case. With a drill and an air chisel a rivet is a five minute deal or less... depending how many times the phone rings

 

[Bambi Girl]

Hi all
Getting the rivet out is the easy bit.
Replacing and resetting the rivet is the tricky part.
Are you really sure you want to remove them?
Good luck
Cheers


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Mustangstolli]

I'd say he's getting rid of it for a 60 series power steering conversion.

When I did mine I ground off the rivet head and drilled out with a 9.5mm drill bit.

Still needed to belt the crap out of it with a lumpy and punch. Punch flew out of my hand a few times and chipped my paint - gives you an idea of how hard I was hitting it with a 2lb baby sledge.

Air hammer would have made it a lot simpler.

Do the top two rivets first, once they're out, you can hammer the mount sideways and (as long as you've ground off the two side rivet heads) it'll come off easy.

 

[snaggletto]

Air hammer makes it a laughable job. Get your compressor fixed. Drilling them out and staying on center will be cruel and unusual punishment. It is always about having the right tools.

 

[new45]

Thanks guys,

Yes I am removing the steering box and the shock towers for a 60 series PS conversion.

 

[Trollhole]

Air chissel with a punch tool. Grind the heads off.

Grind the heads off, drill a hole and punch them out.