A newbie question

[Anton66]

Hello all. I've just purchased a 1966 AS Caravel. Its in need of a lot of work, but I'm in no hurry and I want to just take my time and do it right. I've been able to answer most of my questions by searching the forums, but I have one that I'm still not sure about. I need to remove one section of the interior vinyl wall (which is held in place by rivets), how do you remove the rivets? Someone at the local hardware store said to drill them out, which I tried with no success. Any suggestions?

[clancy_boy]

You drill them out. Use a very sharp drill bit and center it on the rivet hole. You will be shaving off the outer collar and the rest gets pushed back into the wall.

When you finish and need another Caravel to finish - let me know....

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by Anton66

Hello all. I've just purchased a 1966 AS Caravel. Its in need of a lot of work, but I'm in no hurry and I want to just take my time and do it right. I've been able to answer most of my questions by searching the forums, but I have one that I'm still not sure about. I need to remove one section of the interior vinyl wall (which is held in place by rivets), how do you remove the rivets? Someone at the local hardware store said to drill them out, which I tried with no success. Any suggestions?

Get a better drill. That is how it is done. You may want to do a search on the Internet on how it is done. Those must be some mighty tough rivets. I start with a small bit and work my way up. After you do a few you will get the feel for it and can just use one bit and not have to change. Good Luck.

[TShepherd]

Hole saw. About an inch wide.
Just kidding. Use a cordless drill with a good 1/8 drill bit.
TShep

[rickandsandi]

A #20 drill bit will do the trick for you. Once you have the rivits out you will want to replace them. Check out Vinyage Trailer Supply for an assortment of rivits.

[Anton66]

Thanks everyone for your quick replies. I guess I was doing it right all along, I didn't realize the rivet came out the back and falls down, I was expecting the rivet to come out on the drill bit. Also, from what I had read on another thread, can I replace the old rivets from regular ones from Home Depot, or do I have to order the ones from Vintage Supply?

[LHall]

You can use the ones from ACE or Home Depot, just make sure you buy aluminum rivets.

[clancy_boy]

Originally Posted by Anton66

Thanks everyone for your quick replies. I guess I was doing it right all along, I didn't realize the rivet came out the back and falls down, I was expecting the rivet to come out on the drill bit. Also, from what I had read on another thread, can I replace the old rivets from regular ones from Home Depot, or do I have to order the ones from Vintage Supply?

Another tip - paint them to match your interior with spray paint and let them dry - then pop them in place. That way you can buy the cheaper un-finished type and save some $$$$.

[TBRich]

Welcome to the Forums Anton66..and have fun drilling those rivets!

See ya on the road,
TB

[ROBERT CROSS]

GOOD LUCK...you should be a 30 rivit member by the time your done.

Keep us posted, and add photo's asap!!!!!

[buzzbuck]

When you do get ready to put the rivets back in, I strongly encourage you to buy a rivet gun with a rotating head. It only costs about $5 more than the fixed head one. Some of the rivets you will replace during your life together with the AS will be in tight spots. This will make it easier and ensure the rivet is put in adequately.