GMC rivet help

krcevs · February 13, 2015, 08:14:04 AM

Can anyone tell me what two types of solid rivets are in the side of a 4107. Hard or soft, Brazier or modified Brazier, Button or Round head. I can't tell. I am replacing 2 side panels and removing several windows and need to cover the openings. I want to use the same rivets. I know that the rivets are aluminum in the aluminum panels but, are the rivets in the steel panels aluminum or steel?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Ken

Jim Eh. · February 13, 2015, 11:22:49 AM

To start with, if they are original.... try a magnet.

krcevs · February 13, 2015, 11:40:04 AM

No need for a magnet they are aluminum. I drilled out several in both steel and aluminum. Now just need help identifying what type they are. Yes they are original equipment rivets.

Ken

chessie4905 · February 13, 2015, 11:50:09 AM

I used Blyler rivet shavehead rivets and installed with a Harbor Freight air operated rivet gun and purchased the rivet shaver from Blyler. I replaced the front panel below windshield. It turned out great and much easier than using solid rivets with a bucking bar. Check out Blyler's site.

http://www.bylerrivet.com/products/blind-rivets.aspx?keyword=rivets&gclid=CIPc6tDb38MCFVAvgQodAi8Azg

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-air-hydraulic-riveter-98898.html

krcevs · February 13, 2015, 12:00:38 PM

Thanks Chessie4905. I have been on their website. I am replacing a panel below a window and would like to stay with the same style rivets. You have a great idea if I ever need to work on the front panels though.
Check out my project thread and you can see the door that the PO put into the side of the bus.

Ken

chessie4905 · February 13, 2015, 02:28:38 PM

I'll also use the same ones for any other panel replacement. They look like solid rivets when shaved and are very close to original rivets and include an o-ring in design to provide sealing against water intrusion. I think GM rivets were mushroom head shape. They aren't cheap compared to the solid aluminum ones though.

Charles in SC · February 13, 2015, 07:22:18 PM

Mine is a 5303 so it may have different rivets but mine seem to be "round head". With any structural areas you would want to make sure your replacement rivets are as strong as the originals. Some pull type rivets are not the same strength as solid rivets.

Darkspeed · February 14, 2015, 08:07:01 AM

These are the ones i use on my 4106 > http://www.amazon.com/Shaveable-Rivets-Aluminum-Mandrel-Length/dp/B0028OIOM2

krcevs · February 14, 2015, 12:07:32 PM

Quote from: Charles in SC on February 13, 2015, 07:22:18 PM
Mine is a 5303 so it may have different rivets but mine seem to be "round head". With any structural areas you would want to make sure your replacement rivets are as strong as the originals. Some pull type rivets are not the same strength as solid rivets.

Thanks Charles in SC.
I think I will have to just order a sample of each to see which ones my bus is using.

Ken

chessie4905 · February 14, 2015, 12:27:26 PM

I believe Blyler will send you samples of their rivets. They also have an available catalog. There are other companies that sell varieties of rivets also. I went with Blyler because they are across the top on the banner ads either here or over at BNO and others here have used them with satisfaction.

Charles in SC · February 14, 2015, 06:45:07 PM

After doing a little bit of rivet research I feel comfortable saying that the rivets in question are "hard" rivets known as AD rivets. Soft rivets are used when the material to be riveted is soft enough to be crushed before the rivet is set, such as when riveting fiberglass. Having built an airplane I can say that setting rivets can be learned fairly fast if you have the right tools.

krcevs · February 16, 2015, 05:30:47 PM

Thanks Chessie4905 and Charles in SC. for the information. I got a call from Rusty the other day as well and he offered to loan me the riveting tools. What a great bunch of people we have on these sites!
I will give Blyler a call and get some samples ordered.

Ken