And now, the rest of the story

[JoePfznik]

I've never installed or removed a rivet in my life and now, I'm knee deep in a total renovation of a 1969 Globe Trotter I just bought. What I'm curious about is how many different size rivets there are on this trailer. I understand that the outside skins (which I don't intend to involved in at this time) are solid and must be backed up during installation. The inside rivets on the other hand appear to be smaller and for reasons even I can understand, are a type of pop rivet. Are there any other sizes or types? How about the belly pan? Just what is an olympic rivet? I see it is a kind of pop rivet but is it the only kind that can be used on an airstream (and why-and where). Since my attention will be mainly with the belly pan and interior skins, can any type of pop rivets be used at these locations? What drill size should I use to remove them and what size hole is required to install them at a new location? Thanks.

[silverleeper]

Inside skin is held on with 3mm (1/8") aluminum pop rivets. Can be removed with a 1/8" drill bit. On the belly pan go with Large Flange Rivets 3/16" drill bit. Only use aluminum rivets with aluminum shanks.

Some of the other questions can be answered here. That should keep you busy.

[InsideOut]

You may also find these helpful:

Buck rivets or Olympic rivets and rivet shaver.

Shari

[Lumatic]

For the belly pan I used a size larger than the 1/8" pop rivets (5/32?) It has a larger head and will better support the belly pan. I bet you have some 1/8" rivets that the belly pan has pulled through. Drill out the old rivet and pop in the newer bigger rivet. Check with Vintage Trailer Supply or Inland RV. I think they have them.