Clean and Plug rivet holes on roof from old AC unit

[Rocker66]

I made the Cut for a new AC unit and it's left my roof with lots of rivet holes from the original unit plus lot of goop and dirt. Any suggestions on how to clean the area and plug the holes ?

Side note: I was amazed at how the Aluminum inside the gap between the roof and inside LOOKS BRAND NEW..

[Mixter]

I filled my holes with rivets. Cleaned and polished before installing new ac.

[Rocker66]

Do you need to put sealant in the hole before the rivet to make it water tight ?

[Rocker66]

Also what size rivets and should they be Aluminum or Steel ?

THANKS

[JRF0st3r]

Rocker,
Use the smallest size of aluminum Olympic or buck rivet that fills the hole. Olympic is for when access to both sides is not available or if you just don't have buck rivets. Don't use the Olympic rivet that has a gasket since this will probably deteriorate eventually. It is very important to install them snugly but before installing put some TremPro 635 polyurethane sealant in the hole as well as on the rivet. This sealant is available from Vintage Trailer Supply as well as other sources.
Good luck!
Jim

[Mixter]

Looks like you probably have access to the back side of a bunch of them, so you might want to read up on solid rivets, or "bucked" rivets. VTS sells everything you need, including the larger 5/32 solid rivets that have the smaller, matching head. (usually you up-drill from 1/8 to 5/32 if the hole gets to big). You should only use Aluminum rivets. Be sure any blind or "pop" rivets dont have a steel mandrel. Here is VTS info:

Solid Buck Riveting

Do a search for Buck rivets or Bucked rivets and you'll see lots of info. A 3x rivet gun can be had on ebay too for less money.

Be sure to reinforce your AC opening if its not already. I did that and it was some work, but very rewarding.

Have fun!
Mic

[Mixter]

Oh... Solid rivets do not usually need sealant. Your whole trailer is put together with these, although they are probably sealed from the inside. However, done properly they are water tight.

Blind rivets- including "Olympic" rivets are not water tight and need to be sealed.