Frame weight, methods for a mobile frame & powder coat

[beaterku]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Makes sense, but at this point I'm not a fan of cutting rivets.

Originally Posted by B. W.

Me neither, I think rivets are better because they swell to fill the hole when set. My frame was so worn about 1/2 of my rivets were loose, I drilled them out, repaired the holes, reamed for a tight fit & bolted, I would still rather have rivets.

A properly sized hole and a bolted connection torqued will provide every bit of the same clamping force as a rivet.

Drilling rivets is my preferred method of removal. Here is a video of me removing the rivets in the rear of my frame. It's a heck of a lot quieter than using an air hammer and a lot faster (I've removed with with an air hammer, grinder and drilling).

https://youtu.be/BXHq3jkOqTA?t=44s

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by beaterku

A properly sized hole and a bolted connection torqued will provide every bit of the same clamping force as a rivet.

Drilling rivets is my preferred method of removal. Here is a video of me removing the rivets in the rear of my frame. It's a heck of a lot quieter than using an air hammer and a lot faster (I've removed with with an air hammer, grinder and drilling).

https://youtu.be/BXHq3jkOqTA?t=44s

Very cool. You made it look easy. We're removing the front suspension this weekend. I was going to cut, but may drill instead.

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Fairly easy to lift onto a trailer with 2 people if the frame is stripped. You won’t regret getting it powder coated. Paint is nice...but powder is still a step above

Looks great. Semi or gloss?

[beaterku]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Very cool. You made it look easy. We're removing the front suspension this weekend. I was going to cut, but may drill instead.

My only recommendation is a sharp set of drill bits. Start small and work your way up. I used a 1/2” bit to take most of the head of the rivet down and then chiseled what remaining head was left. You can do the same on the other side of the rivet to remove it completely. Every so often, I had s rivet that I could push out with a pinch and a hammer, but most had to be drilled on the opposite side as well.