BASED ON A DESIGN FOUND IN 'HOW TO RESTORE YOUR MODEL A
(FOR MORE HOMADE TOOLS CHECK HOMADE TOOL PAGE)
Occasionally the question of rivets comes up in conversations regarding the restoration of Model A Fords. Inevitably the recommendation is to replace rivets with rivets..not bolts. Also, the recommendation is to contact Jim Dix at Big Flats Rivet Co. in Big Flats, N.Y. Email at: Jim@bigflatsrivet.com for a catalog of rivets, instructions and supplies. His web site is here.
The following is a portion of an the article Jim has in his catalog. Jim was kind enough to allow me to reproduce it here:
Safety Note:
This procedure is intended to be used by competent adults who
are familiar with the proper safety precautions to be taken
when using welding equipment and the other tools mentioned.
Please take proper precautions to avoid burns to yourself and
the area around you. ALWAYS use eye protection when you are
welding, using tools including hammers and bucking bars. Make
sure your helpers are protected as well. If you feel these
procedures are beyond your abilities or equipment locate a
professional to do the job.
Choosing the correct size rivet
There should be about 1/32 or less
clearance between the rivet and the hole. (a 1/4 inch rivet
should be in a hole no larger than 9/32 dia.) If the hole is
more than 1/32 larger, you should either go to the next
diameter rivet or the hole should be welded shut and
re-drilled. When drilling, use the same size drill as the
rivet. If installed correctly, the rivet wi11 expand to fill
the hole. The length of the rivet is determined by the
thickness of the materials being held together. To make a
round head, you will need about 1-1/2 times the diameter of
the rivet. If you are using a 1/4 inch diameter rivet, you
will need a rivet 3/8 inch longer than the combined thickness
of the metal you are holding together. This should be used as
a starting point--you may find that slightly more or less
will produce a better head.
Jim then goes on to describe installing the rivets. If you would like a copy of the complete article and a catalog with rivets, and commercially made riveting tools, contact BIG FLATS RIVETS
Page designed by Jim Mason July, 2007