engine lid rivets

I am finishing up my restoration and have been trying to find the correct size rivets to install the water drip pans under the engine lid louvers. It looks like I need 5/32 (4mm) blind rivets that are at least .850". While the engine lid square tubing is only about .500" the pans stand off by 3-4 mm due to the fact one end is riveted to the lid support bracket- so I need much longer rivets.

I think the original ones were copper but I would be happy to find aluminum. I tried all sources I know and even played around with split peel rivets since the blind one I find only go up to 3/4" and the peel type go up to about .800. To get close to .850" I can go up to 3/16" and drill out the holes. Or I can turn down steel 3/16" rivets. What have you guys used when you installed the engine lid drip pans. Would appreciate any help on this.

 

The engine lid drip trays have really long rivets and I need these too. If you find some please let me know.
Most folks replace them with sheet metal screws, but I'd like the rivets.

 

try mc master carr in la
not sure they have what you describe but they have a big supply of aircraft pop rivets and blind rivets
clay

 

Syncro-

I talked to a few shops and they also use machine screws- but like you I want try to come up with a rivet solution.

DC-

I tried MM on the web and bought many different types and lengths to try out last week. I tried using the anvils from the shorter blind rivets in the longer 5/32" peel type rivets but even the longest peel rivet was too short to get a good grip. The only solution using what MM has in stock is drilling the holes out to 3/16" because that is the only diameter that MM offers blind rivets over .800 in length. GT motors had 5 mm aluminum that are about 24 mm long that would work if I drilled the holes. My other thought was to use 3/16" steel and turn them down and see what kind of wall thickness I have left. Drilling hole out to 3/16" is probably the better solution. I have the 3/16" long steel rivet coming this week from MM- will let you and Syncro know what I come up with.

 

http://www.metricmcc.com/catalog/Ch2/2-260.pdf

Don't know what length you want, I've used these guys several times.

DM

 

.85"= about 21mm, I think.

Looks like the metricmcc.com has them 4mm x 20 and 4mm x 25. Might work, right?

DM

 

Thanks-----Do they sell blind rivets? I could only find solid rivets on their website- not sure how I would be able to peen them. Has anyone used solid rivets for the pans?

 

Try this link to Hanson rivets: http://www.hansonrivet.com/w21b.htm

 

Bingo-- will call them to see if I can buy direct or if they can refer me to someone on the East coast. I called my local places and they would not order them since it was just too small of an order.

Thanks racerboy-- I must have used the wrong words in google search

 

If you need to buy a bunch I will buy some from you if you want. I have two Dino's to do.

 

Racerboy-

No need-- I will just send you some of the ones that I find work. I was able to buy direct so I just had to buy one box of each size I wanted to try. I will let you know which ones worked for me.

 

I also would like to buy a bunch and have two Dinos to feed - LOL!

 

Synchro-Racerboy-

The 4 mm by 25 mm rivets worked great. I had to cut one down (remove the mandrel cut down, then reinsert mandrel) so it would clear one the rivet holding the US info plate. Since I was riveting with the lid in place I also had to cut one mandrel short and bend it so I could squeeze in the rivet gun. All worked out so let me know if you want me send you some or give you the Hanson part number.

 

Glad those worked out. How many did you have to buy?

 

Just a bag of 100-- it was cheap- under $20.

 

The part number is PASD425? Price is good! I think I will buy a bag for myself.

 

The is the right part number!