Which Rivets

[KellyC]

Hello all, I am in the process of rebuilding my 67 Starcraft Islander and need some advice if you would please. I need to know what kind of rivets to buy. I know solid aluminum but not sure the kind of head that is needed:facepalm:. And I was told that they need to be the thickness of the material plus 1.5 times the diameter of the rivet.

Would also be nice to find out where I could get a pneumatic hammer gun and the proper bits to do the riveting with. Have seen some very spendy ones, but again not sure as to what bit to use in it either. Any and all ideas and help is muchly appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which Rivets

Ayuh,... Google up "Closed-end Pop-rivets"...

That's what I use...
All aluminum, not the steel shanked 1s...
3/16"x 1/4"...

 

[KellyC]

Re: Which Rivets

Ok, thanks Bond-o. I will check them out and see what I can find.

 

[KellyC]

Re: Which Rivets

So Bond-o, do you just install them from outside the hull? I was thinking that is what you do with them but just wanted to make sure. And also do you seal them with something like 4200 when you put them in? Just trying to get things right before I go and order stuff. Thanks for your help.

 

[djpeters]

Re: Which Rivets

I just finished doing a bunch of solid rivets on my boat. Don't use pop rivets on your hull, they won't hold.

I got this gun and it works great:

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=2602A

You will need Brazier Head Solid Aluminum Rivets (1100F, which means soft alloy) in 3/16 & 1/4. (1/4 if you have to go up a size because of a bunged up hole). I got mine here. They always shipped the same day I ordered.

http://www.rivetsonline.com/solid-aluminum-rivets.html

You will need a rivet set to match the rivet (the part that goes in the gun). AN55 is the model of the one I got. It's for 3/16 Brazier Head, and will work on the 1/4" as well.

Let me know if there is anything else. It's not hard, just do a few practice pieces and you'll be ready.

 

[KellyC]

Re: Which Rivets

Thanks DJ, that helps a lot. I thought I needed brazier head ones but was not sure if I remembered right. Thanks for the links as well cause I figured that I was going to need to replace some rivets in this old girl and all the help I can get is appreciated very much. How long of rivets did you get anyway? I am not sure yet cause I am not sure how thick my hull is yet.