Fiberglass top

[andrewbridges1]

I’m rebuilding my top and I got a rivet set from ccot. What air hammer bit do I need to use to drive them in? Also what glue do I use to glue the rail to the actual fiberglass? Thanks!

 

[charliemeyer007]

Are they aluminium rivets? They are soft. Make a setting tool (dimple shape) for an air hammer and don't run with a lot of pressure. You should also make a bucker plate to fit the head. Big old cold chisel, grind the head to fit the rail and put in the dimple. I like 50 year GE pure silicon stuff myself. I did the outer cowl seam back in 83 and its still there but looking weak.

 

[andrewbridges1]

Are they aluminium rivets? They are soft. Make a setting tool (dimple shape) for an air hammer and don't run with a lot of pressure. You should also make a bucker plate to fit the head. Big old cold chisel, grind the head to fit the rail and put in the dimple. I like 50 year GE pure silicon stuff myself. I did the outer cowl seam back in 83 and its still there but looking weak.

Yes aluminum rivets

 

[coinoperated40]

Did this to an air tool for the top of the rivet. Bucking tool for the bottom. Lot of places on here to read about leveling material to help with water infiltration.

 

[aremell]

There is a rivet tool that squeezes them in a most impressive manner! I bought one off Amazon at no small cost a couple months ago when I redid my top. I live in Brookhaven, GA. PM me and maybe we can figure something out for you to use it.

 

[andrewbridges1]

There is a rivet tool that squeezes them in a most impressive manner! I bought one off Amazon at no small cost a couple months ago when I redid my top. I live in Brookhaven, GA. PM me and maybe we can figure something out for you to use it.

Do you have link to it?

 

[derail]

This is what I ended up using. HAMMER And the bucking bar from the same place. BAR Both are reasonably prices and shipped fast.

 

[zerotreedelta]

If you're talking about reattaching the rain gutter to the cap, there's an IH8Mud traveling rivet crimp tool - it's done quite a few caps so far. The front visor rivets are a different kettle of fish, though.

Rain Gutter and Top Restoration

Hammering out your welds with a dolly as they cool is key. Compressed air to keep the panel cool. Skipping around and not laying down one big bead in one spot. This is the way.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[sogncab]

If it were to do my top again or do another top. I wouldn't rivet the cap to the rail. I'd just glue it in and call it good then fill the rail with sealant.

 

[zerotreedelta]

I did both (glue and rivets), although I was intentionally light on the Sikaflex glue in case it ever needed to come back apart, was more to act as a sealer. Riveting was pretty quick, a hour or two at most. I suppose if you did the glue route, you could tape the underside and use the self-leveling seam sealer to "fill" the holes.

Definitely all depends what you're aiming for - riveting keeps the more OEM look, but it was done before more modern materials and adhesives.

 

[aremell]

The tool:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017I1MIK8?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k3_1_7&amp=&crid=3O5GNY35SHX5M&amp=&sprefix=rivet+s

And these additional pieces to make the gap the right size:

https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-Supply-Squeezer-Pieces/dp/B005VR7PA0/ref=pd_sim_hxwPM2_sspa_dk_detail_p0_og_d0?pd_rd_w=RkD54&content-id=amzn1.sym.8731cf14-a5af-469f-9ca4-1f4799dd0e7c&pf_rd_p=8731cf14-a5af-469f-9ca4-1f4799dd0e7c&pf_rd_r=GPFJWDWH51FWFT6139S3&pd_rd_wg=9PR2A&pd_rd_r=0161bf51-66d6-4120-9476-921eb06515d7&pd_rd_i=B005VR7PA0&psc=1

 

[andrewbridges1]

This is what I ended up using. HAMMER And the bucking bar from the same place. BAR Both are reasonably prices and shipped fast.

I’m just scared I’ll slip with the air hammer and punch the fiberglass