Factory rivet vs. repair rivet - Page 2

JPAIRSTREAM · 08-27-2003, 05:44 PM

I have a segment that was replaced several years ago and the olypics are still there and no leaks. When I did the rear end seperation One of those panels had been replaced.. and still strong... here is a link to a thread on olympic rivets

**flyfshr** · 08-27-2003, 06:07 PM

Shari - your photo #1 with the Olympic rivet was not shaved enough with the shaver. It should not show the center stem circle at all. Apply a little more pressure at a low speed from a battery driven drill and you'll not see the circle. I can photo one if you like.

FF

InsideOut · 08-27-2003, 06:34 PM

Thanks Brad...I didn't shave that one!

Actually, I've never done any...yet!

That's one of the one's on our streetside panel that was replaced at some point by a PO. Once all our "real projects" are done...we may go back & change them all out...including the replaced panel which was partially damaged (& patched poorly) a second time. I'm sure we'll get lots of practice then ~

Shari

P.S. If you can get a shot of a "really good" one...post it!

yukionna · 08-27-2003, 07:46 PM

Thanks for all the great feedback and further information on this riveting topic! I especially enjoyed PeterH's "Olympic Riveting 101" photographic essay!

silverhawk · 08-27-2003, 09:23 PM

Can anyone tell me where to get a good deal on one of these rivet shavers. I also have a few rivets that need replacing, and a project or two where this tool will come in very handy.
Bob

**flyfshr** · 08-27-2003, 09:54 PM

Best price I've seen is at AirstreamDreams.com. Sure it's pricey, but its a quality tool in which the results can't be duplicated. If you have a vintage Airstream friend, better yet, go in on it together, you'll not be needing it all of the time.

FF

74Argosy24MH · 08-28-2003, 06:36 AM

FWIW-bucked rivets are the best fasteners, better than Olympics, bolts, screws, etc. They not only compress to hold the panels together, but the shank expands to fill the holes and prevent lateral movement. You have a new trailer, I would go for the strongest repair possible. The factory should have enough experience to remove and reassemble the interior without damaging it.

John

WayWard Wind · 08-28-2003, 07:22 PM

We also have a 02 Bambi, so I was surprised by your comment " the clearcoat was peeling in strips". When I talked to A/S regarding the coating on our trailer, they said A/S was no longer using clearcoat (late 90's), as the panels came painted from Alcoa. I'll check my trailer info again, but I'm sure it also says the same thing in the booklet. I would be interested to know if A/S told you the clearcoat was peeling. If so, I would for sure ask them this when we get to the Homecoming this Fall.
Best,

JPAIRSTREAM · 09-02-2003, 04:39 PM

If you are looking for shavers adn rivets Airstream has them on there site.

I also noticed Caulking there as well.

Airstream site

yukionna · 09-02-2003, 04:48 PM

InsideOut -- thanks for the pics! I looked at some examples of Olympic rivets while I was at the factory last week and they look just like your first photo, "Left: Good shaved Olympic Rivet ". Unfortunately, the factory can't hide the center post "circle" even with the special shaving tool. I was hoping the center post "circle" would disappear but it looked just like your photo.

InsideOut · 09-02-2003, 07:15 PM

Did you get them to commit to bucked rivets?

Shari

yukionna · 09-03-2003, 03:52 AM

Shari, Airstream will implement either rivet option -- it is my choice and I have chosen bucked rivets.

InsideOut · 09-03-2003, 07:05 AM

Good ~

Shari

markdoane · 09-03-2003, 05:59 PM

For a little bit more money than a rivet shaver, you can buy a full set of tools for installing factory rivets. I'm thinking about it.Rivet