removing and replacing rivets

[steve-0]

most of us will be removing and replacing rivets. here are some things that work for me.
to remove them drill a 1/8" hole through the center of the rivet then take your torch and enlarge the hole to 1/4". this will shrink the rivet slightly and take the work hardening out of it. then torch or grind the head off and punch it out.
you can also just drill the whole thing out if you don't have access to a torch, i just like punching so as not to damage the hole for pressing in a new rivet.
now to install new rivets. im going to buy the heavy duty bucking equipment so i can buck them cold but there is another option, when i was at the tower park military show there was a demonstration installing rivets for the halftrack front bumper and they used a torch to heat the straight end then used an air chisel with a bit shaped like the head of the rivet  and a block on the head side. it worked perty good.

there is also another way people are using.
take a button head socket cap screw, install it then take JB weld and fill the socket part of it.
here are some mcmaster part numbers for the socket head screws.
part number  91255A718  
http://www.mcmaster.com/#socket-head-cap-screws/=a829si

sources for 1/2" solid steel rivets
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0157265&ucst=t
http://www.rjleahy.com/store/rivets/trvr.htm
http://www.rivetsinstock.com/rivet07.htm

from TM 9-1710C


from TC 9-237

[yd328]

Steve,

I replaced my front bumper, gusset plates, and a cross member using 7/16" and 1/2" rivets. I used a torch, a Snap On PH2050 air hammer with a S&G Tool - Aid #91140 punch that was machined by a local shop to fit the rivet head. They also made a bucking bar for me out of some stock that they had laying around. I did it mostly with the help of one other person but having two worked better.

Gary

[scotty71]

I have seen jeep restorations that are using these rivet bolts as replacement rivets. Anyone used these bolts in their restorations or wouldn't they be strong enough for a halftrack chassis?

[steve1973]

That's pretty slick. I've never seen those before.

Steve A.