More rivet questions...

[drchris66]

Ok so based on the input from you guys I'm gonna go the route of buck rivets since my entire interior is exposed. Which brings me to my next question...There are at least 2 panels and a window that were repaired or replaced at some point using Olympic rivets. Should I replace them all while I'm at it? Also, there is one panel that has what looks like buck rivets that aren't bucked if that's possible. The inner shank protrudes about 3/8's and it isn't flattened like the factory rivets. The heads are under the exterior trim so I can't see them. I'll take a photo tonight to get your opinions. I might as well do those too while I'm at it. Funny, someone once told me those were the most expensive words in home remodeling..."while you're at it". I guess that applies to Airstreams too!

[Belegedhel]

I ran into the same dilemma (Olympic rivets) while tearing my trailer apart. I thought seriously about re-riveting that panel, but finally decided to leave well enough alone. There was no evidence that the Olympic rivets were failing due to not being up to the task of holding the panel in place, and it was not apparent that they had been leaking either, though I gooped them up liberally on the inside just for good measure.

I always run the risk of doing more damage than I am correcting when I take on those "while you're there" projects, so I have tried to adopt more of an "if it's working, don't fix it." mentality. Also, I convinced myself that there was a good chance that at least some of the holes would be even further enlarged as I drilled out the Olympic rivets, which means, creating more opportunities for leaks.

As for your rivets that don't look like they got properly installed, try to wiggle them and see if they are actually loose. I have found many rivets on my trailer that don't look like they got a very good hammering, but they don't move, and they don't leak, so I suppose they are good enough.

good luck!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by drchris66

Ok so based on the input from you guys I'm gonna go the route of buck rivets since my entire interior is exposed. Which brings me to my next question...There are at least 2 panels and a window that were repaired or replaced at some point using Olympic rivets. Should I replace them all while I'm at it? Also, there is one panel that has what looks like buck rivets that aren't bucked if that's possible. The inner shank protrudes about 3/8's and it isn't flattened like the factory rivets. The heads are under the exterior trim so I can't see them. I'll take a photo tonight to get your opinions. I might as well do those too while I'm at it. Funny, someone once told me those were the most expensive words in home remodeling..."while you're at it". I guess that applies to Airstreams too!

Some parts can be used resulting in a fantastic repair, by some mechanics.

On the other hand, those same parts used by some mechanics, are a disaster and a half.

Bucking those panels in place would be ok, but remember, the buck rivets are 1/8 diameter and the holes for the Olympics are 5/32 in diameter.

The question then becomes how would you properly fill that 1/32 void.

Andy