Clecos, correct size

[rowdyATX]

What size clecos (including grip range) should be used for repair/restore? And can you recommend a certain set of pliers, and other tools I'll need for this part of the restore?

Also, if you can include the name / contact of the supplier, that would be helpful.


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[Belegedhel]

You can get a good "starter kit" for buck riveting from Vintage Trailer Supply (or you can order the pieces ala-carte as well). The kit has a buck riveting gun a rivet cutter, 25 or so clecos for 5/32" riveting, a bucking bar, etc.. Depending on how much riveting you intend to do, you may want to order at least 50 of the 5/32" clecos, and at least 25 of the 1/8" clecos for holding things in place that will be pop-riveted with 1/8" rivets.

Airstream Buck Riveting Kit

You can also get tools from The Yard store inc., Aircraft Spruce, and Airparts, Inc., if you want to do some comparison shopping and hunt around. I bought the VTS kit and have been very satisfied with it.

good luck!

[rowdyATX]

Does this look like an adequate kit to get?

http://www.yardstore.com/browse.cfm/4,3718.html


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[Belegedhel]

Overkill. I would guess there is at least $150 worth of tools that you really won't need on an Airstream.

You really only need two sizes of clecos (1/8" and 5/32"), You will only need one (maybe two) anvils for the rivet gun, sized for the heads of of your 5/32" bucked rivets (though there are some smaller bucked rivets on some of the window frames). If you get fancy and do some flat, countersunk rivets, then a flat anvil is also needed. For bucking bars, a good general purpose one will fit 95% of your needs. I needed one other particularly skinny one for some tight work, but that was it.

good luck!