Sheared rivets on propane tank cover

[Rage51]

While backing up with my pickup tailgate down (never do this), The tailgate pressed against the cover and sheared the rivets that attach the hold down clamp to the cover. They look like they were installed using a machine. My problem is, when I went online to buy some aluminum rivets, there was a minimum quantity of 500, and there seems to be an installation tool needed that wasn’t cheap.

Has anyone had this problem, and might know an easy way to fix?

2017 Serenity 30
2012 F250 Diesel 4X4

[Wayne&Sam]

If they are pop rivets (and I assume they are) you can buy a rivet gun and a small aunty of rivets at almost any hardware or home improvement store. You will want them anyway in the future.

[PKI]

This problem poped up last year and I fixed it. But in the light of today, I can't remember how. I think that I used nuts, washers and bolts from the spares box. I think that I planned to use rivets and even carried the tools out to do the job, only to find that the rivets were too big. Ten minutes later it was fixed. So, yes, I think nuts and bolts. Measure the inside diameter first, if you need to make a parts run. Less wine might help the memory recall, but what would be the fun in that? Pat

[AtomicNo13]

A box of rivets at Lowe's is $4

[ROBERT CROSS]

I redood our lid several years ago using 1/8" aluminum pop rivets. All AU including the shank and flat washers. Washers are important on both sides to prevent cracking & reinforcing any holes that may be damaged.
A dab of 3m 5200 fast cure not a bad idea, wipe away excess.👍

Bob
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[Rage51]

The sheared rivets were brazier head solid rivets. I don't think pop rivets will work. I am reluctant to use steel bolts because I would prefer the rivet to fail instead of the entire cover.

Originally Posted by Rage51

While backing up with my pickup tailgate down (never do this), The tailgate pressed against the cover and sheared the rivets that attach the hold down clamp to the cover. They look like they were installed using a machine. My problem is, when I went online to buy some aluminum rivets, there was a minimum quantity of 500, and there seems to be an installation tool needed that wasn’t cheap.

Has anyone had this problem, and might know an easy way to fix?

2017 Serenity 30
2012 F250 Diesel 4X4

[drairstream]

Try outdoor mart rv buy 1 or 500. Good source

[Hermes]

I used pop rivets (aluminum not steel) with washers. I cut two edges off each washer
so that it fits more snugly under the curved surface of the cover.

If you tighten the adjustable clamp too much, you will pull the original rivets through the plastic cover (don’t ask how I know this...).

[tommyglen]

$5 pop-rivet gun plus an assortment of various rivets.
Drill out the two (if still in the clamp) studs, insert rivet into tool.
Put rivet into lid, slide on clasp, squeeze until it “pops”.
Repeat for second hole.

Be sure to go from inside-to-out or lid won’t close.

$10 and fifteen minutes total!

[ROBERT CROSS]

My advise...don't buy a $5 gun, you will need it again down the road. 🤔

Bob
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