7 replies to this topic

[herpsuk]

well i need to remove the rusty rivets that are holding on the arches on my mini, but i cant see to get them of.

anyone got any ideas on how i can get these of? need em of to do some more work on the front of the car.

much appreciated

J

[panelbeaterpeter]

Drill em out with a 1/8 size HSS drill bit.

[Bungle]

yep its that easy

[herpsuk]

well the dremel and a small bit didnt seem to work, makes a poo load of noise and a tiny groove, hmm it goes to new metal as well, will have to find a bigger drill in shed

[Deathrow]

well the dremel and a small bit didnt seem to work, makes a poo load of noise and a tiny groove, hmm it goes to new metal as well, will have to find a bigger drill in shed

Don't use a dremel, use a drill . Ideally you want to be using a drill bit designed for metal too.

Edited by Deathrow, 06 January 2008 - 10:22 PM.

[Dan]

Use a drill with a bit that is just larger than the hollow centre of the pop rivet, as above something around 1/8" will be fine. Start drilling into the hole in the rivet and press firmly enough to cut but not so firmly that you will go right through when the rivet breaks. Just keep drilling until the rim of the rivet breaks off and starts spinning with the bit. Lightly tap the remaining rivet centre with a punch and hammer (or frequently just your finger will do) and it will fall out. Don't hit it hard enough to bend the panel. That's it.

[Ethel]

If the rivet is loose 'n spinning grip the back of it with some pliers if you can.

Or better, hang a set of moles off it then you can have two mitts on the drill.

go slow too, if they're plaggy arches they'll melt!

Edited by Ethel, 06 January 2008 - 11:46 PM.

[herpsuk]

thnaks guys, i want to try and preserve the 2 arches that are left for now, but if they break, they break

wont get a chance now until the weekend as i dnt have a garage and its to dark and wet after work

Thanks

J