Rivets

[utfyrfytr]

I've been reading the restoration forum for a while and decided to pick up a project and try a restoration. I came across a 17' 1968 Crestliner Nordic that had been sitting outside for a number of years that I picked up cheap. I have stripped everything out of the interior and I want to pull the splash well out and replace the transom wood. Question is what is the best way to remove the rivets in the splash well. I could drill them out but both ends are rounded and if I wasn't centered it would just make a larger hole or it looks like I can get to both sides of most of them so I was wondering about using a cut-off tool and grinding the inside off and then punching them out. Or is there a another way that I have not thought about? Thanks any help is appreciated.

 

[jigngrub]

I like a center punch and a 1/4" pilot point drill bit. Dimple the center of the rivet and then just drill deep enough for the head to come off the rivet, then punch the stem and other head out. Go kinda slow when drilling the heads off until you get the hang of it.

When it comes time to put everything back together you can replace the rivets like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs&feature=related

 

[utfyrfytr]

Thanks, I'll try it the way you described.