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-   -   replacing frame rivets (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=556578)

72c10projectc 12-16-2012 08:24 PM

replacing frame rivets
 
Is it safe to just replace them with grade 8 bolts?
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brans72 12-16-2012 08:28 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Yes your safe using Grade 8 bolts. Brandon

72c10projectc 12-16-2012 08:31 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Thank you do you think its a good idea to use lock washers as well as thread locker?
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RenoKeene 12-16-2012 08:42 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Grade 8, lock washers and a bit of lock tite if it makes you feel good.
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hugger6933 12-16-2012 08:46 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
If you have a welder I like to spot the nutto the bolt just enough to make double sure it all stays together. I have done it several times replacing spring hangars and such and have never had a problem with that method. I guess you are replacing a rear crossmember? Jim

SS Tim 12-16-2012 08:57 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Sorry, But the question begs, Do you have any manuals at all for your truck? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556578

In answer to your question yes you can replace rivets with bolts in the frame per the Chevrolet Chassis overhaul manual. The problem is that the bolts are not a direct replacement. The bolts need to be a very tight fit in a reamed hole vs a conventional bolt application clearance. This will then give you close to a rivets load capacity. So size up from the rivet and ream.

midniteblues 12-16-2012 09:17 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
I have found that a 7/16 tap ran through the rivit holes seems too work ok(not great but ok) for pulling the metal together.
then useing 1"x 7/16 grade 8 bolts with nuts and washers they then can be torqued too 70-75 ft.#s. a tack weld on the nut will hold it there for good.

Duncan and son 12-16-2012 09:28 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Good answers but what can be done if you want rivets for looks and correctness

SS Tim 12-16-2012 10:02 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
You are going to need a BIG riveter! Good question and I will have to talk with a couple of ME's for ideas at a shop level.

eagleuh1 12-16-2012 10:26 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
They sell the tool and the rivet blanks, just don't remember where. Seem to remember a guy called the "Rivetman" from somewhere. Good luck, Jim

Duncan and son 12-16-2012 11:32 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Hey Tim and Jim thanks for the info. Between the three of us and anybody else that is has information or is interested I would like more information because Jason's truck has driver side rear tailpipe bracket riveted on and the passenger side bolted on (which appears to be correct and original for 72 some BB trucks). Even though some trucks came like that I would rather have it riveted on.
Thanks again Paul

67c10rustbuket 12-16-2012 11:43 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Here are a couple places to get them. I read else where there is a special too to clamp them in place and you torch them red hot and pound the end with a special concave anvil on an airchisel. There is a build thread on here where a guy used some on his truck. He cut and stretched the rear frame upwards and mad new bed mounts and it looked like a production frame. anyone know which build that is??

http://www.bigflatsrivet.com/install.html

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Sol...U12?Pid=search

(i dont know what size this is just a sample)

67c10rustbuket 12-16-2012 11:45 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
1 Attachment(s)
instructions

72c10projectc 12-16-2012 11:52 PM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Yea I got rust so I wanted to take some crossmembers off and fix them
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SS Tim 12-17-2012 04:05 AM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Fun reading.
http://www.ballardforge.com/web/rivets.html

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/thr...9-Hot-riveting

This might just be the best way to coldset them. Until I talk to someone the idea of just heating and pounding a truck chassis rivet seems shall we say... crude. Besides this would be just plain cool to have.
http://www.enerpac.com/en-us/industr...-frame-presses

midniteblues 12-17-2012 09:37 AM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
tim,
those links rock that wAs some cool reading.
the ballerd forge site was the coolest one has too admit that the rivit look is the way to go if your going for the authentic/decortive/proper look.

too the op,
if your pulling rivits do yourself a favor and only remove the rivits that are absolutly nesssary if you see no rust build up between the parts LEAVE THEM BE most of those peices are so tight that water/rust couldnt build up between them.

most of the trucks i see should have the upper spring pads in the rear pulled there usually a good amount of scale between them and the frame(around here anyway) also the trailing arms are ususally good idea too be split open but those are not rivits there spot welds

desertnick69 02-03-2014 01:45 AM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Tim (Post 5762111)
Sorry, But the question begs, Do you have any manuals at all for your truck? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556578

In answer to your question yes you can replace rivets with bolts in the frame per the Chevrolet Chassis overhaul manual. The problem is that the bolts are not a direct replacement. The bolts need to be a very tight fit in a reamed hole vs a conventional bolt application clearance. This will then give you close to a rivets load capacity. So size up from the rivet and ream.

I am swapping the rear suspension from leaf to coil so i have (1969 C-20 just for the stiffingers on both sides) there is 18 per side not including the crossmembers. So I looked in to this and i am going to be replacing the rivets w/gd 8 bolt The hole is appox 27/64 = .422 but they are not perfect so after the revits are out i drill with 27/64 then i had an 11 mm reamer ground to .431. the head of the bolt you have to tap into the hole so they are a "snug fit". Should be good at this when done atleast 70 rivet to replace. Good luck

Keith Seymore 02-03-2014 07:57 AM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Joining late but I was a production supervisor on the chassis line at Flint Assembly; a 3/8" bolt was the factory repair for a mis-hit or missing rivet.

When I followed my '87 pickup down the line as it was being built I tried to convince the guys to use all bolts instead of rivets on the spring hangers, since I knew I would be lowering my truck by relocating the spring hangers.

They wouldn't do it...

:(

K

roxxx 02-03-2014 08:38 AM

Re: replacing frame rivets
 
Some tools for the job
http://www.gagebilt.com
http://www.bylerrivet.com
There is a You tube vid of some guys riveting the frame they made a slick tool to do it


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