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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

The is the right part number!