Interior Rivets '65 GT

[Chiefy]

I've started the teardown prior to replacing the floor in my '65 GT, now I'm starting to run into Rivets that need to be drilled out in the interior panels. I don't want to screw up and enlarge the rivet holes if at all possible, what drill bit size should I be going for?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Chiefy

I've started the teardown prior to replacing the floor in my '65 GT, now I'm starting to run into Rivets that need to be drilled out in the interior panels. I don't want to screw up and enlarge the rivet holes if at all possible, what drill bit size should I be going for?

There are 3 drill bit sizes that are used on Airstreams.

#30, #21 and #11 are those sizes.

The #30 is used for 1/8 inch rivets, as used on the inside of the coach. That same size is used to drill out the buck rivets, on the outside.

The #21 is used when Olympic rivets will be installed.

The #11, is used for 3/16 inch rivets, such as used for the underbelly.

Andy

[AirstreamGypsy]

Honestly, there is more on this forum about rivets, installing and uninstalling, (drilling out) than you will ever want to know.

I have used 1/8" bit to drill them out and can re-rivet with the same size. If the hole becomes enlarged just up the rivet size.

But really, search, it will pay off. Pay special attention to Aerowood and Zepellinium, they both have detailed posts about the subject.

[Chiefy]

Thank you for your responses guys.

I did search the forum but given the wealth of knowledge and the wide variation of applications I figured it better to ask a direst question. Certainly not laziness!

Also, being based in the UK means if I screw up, replacement parts are a long way off.