Rivet Question - Awning Installation

[65CV]

OK, my first big miss in the renovation.

After re-installing the shell, installing bubble foil insulation and installing the upper interior skins, I remembered the awning rail.

I'm a bit pressed for time and would like to avoid removing the interior skin again and cutting through the bubble foil.

Would Olympic Rivets or Rivnuts properly hold a 7' awning on a '65 Caravel? Or am I better off pulling the inner skin, cutting the insulation and bucking? (probably a 3 hour job). Are any of the solutions better in terms of preventing leaks?

Thanks,

John

main thread: Renovation of gutted 1965 Caravel

[uwe]

Originally Posted by 65CV

OK, my first big miss in the renovation.

After re-installing the shell, installing bubble foil insulation and installing the upper interior skins, I remembered the awning rail.

I'm a bit pressed for time and would like to avoid removing the interior skin again and cutting through the bubble foil.

Would Olympic Rivets or Rivnuts properly hold a 7' awning on a '65 Caravel? Or am I better off pulling the inner skin, cutting the insulation and bucking? (probably a 3 hour job). Are any of the solutions better in terms of preventing leaks?

Thanks,

John

main thread: Renovation of gutted 1965 Caravel

John, I hate to say this, but you're better off bucking the rivets in the awning rail.
While Olympic rivets will probably hold fine, they might leak over time.
Bucked rivets and a dab of vulkem over each on the inside will surely prevent all future leaks.

[Excella CM]

If it were mine, I'd use Olympics dipped in Vulchem.

[utee94]

John, I've been following your restoration and you're doing such a good job. I hate to say something negative, but to me the questions become-- how long do you plan to have the trailer, AND, do you ever want to have to do this again?

As usual, Uwe is right. He's been here before and is wise in the ways of vintage trailer restoration.

It might end up being a slight pain, but doing it correctly now means NEVER second-guessing yourself in the future.

I'm enjoying your great work, keep it up, and good luck!

-Marcus

[65CV]

Thanks for all the replies and Marcus' compliments.

If the weather holds, I'll buck it on today. I don't want to worry about one good gust of wind distorting the legs of an Olympic rivet.. causing a leak.. rotting my new floor.. making me redo this again in 10 years.

Without overhead cabinets or lighting in place, now is the easiest time to do it. I just hate redoing stuff!

John