Rivets out bolts in

[buchwheat]

I have 3 rivets Ive removed due to leaking , Im hearing truss head or pan head bolts( with washer) is a good fix in lieu of rivets. Stainless is best with 5200 as a leak preventer and I assume a barrier for galvanic corrosion. I have access on inside of hull and using thread lok nuts. I found an old post here from 2002 ,FlyBoyMark who uses this method. An old salt at the boat shop said they would build them like this but too costly. I have concerns about the corrosion,Ive seen it without a barrier on bare alum. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[64osby]

SS bolts will work. SS bolts can also cause galvanic corrosion if they are not high quality.

Sealant under the bolt head and washer will minimize possible corrosion.

If you have access to both sides, solid rivets or closed head aluminum rivets could be installed.

If the rivets are not close to each other or in an area where they would be highly stressed closed head rivets should work well and be the cheapest easiest solution.

 

[jigngrub]

Replacing rivets is as easy as this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs&feature=related

 

[buchwheat]

Going to prime and paint the fasteners then install with 5200. using the zinc coated not SS , will watch under close.See no problem inside but paint may wear outer hull side. enjoyed the vids. Thanks all.

 

[jbcurt00]

I wouldn't use anything other then aluminum rivets or stainless bolts, even painted, I wouldn't put zinc coated bolts thru the hull.

 

[64osby]

I wouldn't use anything other then aluminum rivets or stainless bolts, even painted, I wouldn't put zinc coated bolts thru the hull.

+1 - Zinc is much worse on the galvanic scale for aluminum. They will rust very fast also.

 

[gm280]

My 0.02 cents worth. I would use solid rivets if I could get to both sides. Then there is nothing to worry about again. But that is just me...

 

[jigngrub]

+1 - Zinc is much worse on the galvanic scale for aluminum. They will rust very fast also.

Yeah, it doesn't take long to realize zinc coated hardware is a mistake. Then you gotta take those rusty things out and do it right like you should've the first time.

 

[buchwheat]

Thanks, SS primed and painted? shy of the rivets even tho I have used the larger scissor type on vid. seems to me the bolts would be stronger, two of mine hold a cross stringer. I am familiar with the closed end rivets tho, would have to order from a shop. Prime & paint SS w/5200??

 

[64osby]

5200 would seal the bolt in the hole. If you want to paint it, paint it. But with stainless it is not necessary.

 

[buchwheat]

My thinking was paint to minimize galvanic corrosion on SS??

 

[Bondo]

My thinking was paint to minimize galvanic corrosion on SS??

Ayuh,.... It's much less of an issue than you seem to think,....

 

[Willyclay]

When repairing the rotten plywood transom core on my 1966 Lone Star Medallion II, I noticed that none of the SS fasteners had any corrosion around them while many places in the outer transom aluminum skin were very badly corroded. I concluded the nylon washers installed by the factory under the heads and nuts of the SS fasteners had done the intended job. This observation was in 2006. Good luck with your project!

 

[buchwheat]

After a night of soul searching and considering advice here im picking up 100 3/16 closed alum rivets. guy at jay cee fastener co here knew exactly my repair too,even said don't bother with the washers inside--dab a little 5200 and pop. the 3/16 fits perfect but next up 7/32 is too large ( eyeballing with drill bits)I figure the perfect fit will allow 5200 to squeeze in. This seems the majority comments here and I thank all. 64osby nice job on your boats.

 

[jigngrub]

I love it when a plan comes together!

 

[64osby]

Gives you 97 spares for future repairs or prepares you for early onset MBS.

Have fun.

Thanks for the complement, but my work pales in comparison to many of the members here.

Some day I'll get back on the Lone Star and get her looking like she should.

 

[buchwheat]

oooohraaaaa-- sea trial today dry as a parched bone. Thanks to all esp. solid rivets and 5200............

 

[buchwheat]

Test on lake dry as a bone, thanks for the help.

 

[jigngrub]

Of course it's dry! Once you understand rivets, aluminum boats become real easy to work on and keep dry on the water... but don't tell everybody, all the f'glass boys will be selling their boats and buying up all the old tinnies.