Missing rivets in front

[Fmazza]

I see 3 missing rivets in the front as shown. When I look in the hole I expectto see a void but instead I see metal just inside the hole. What is this I am seeing and do I need to do anything with this?

[dznf0g]

The heads popped off. What you see is the shank remaining. Just take an awl and push them in. They'll drop inside the wall. Then install Olympic rivets in their place.

[Fmazza]

I have the Olympic rivets with the washers.
Are the washers preferably or better without?

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by Fmazza

I have the Olympic rivets with the washers.
Are the washers preferably or better without?

Fmazza, Better to use Olympic rivets without the rubber washers (if that is what you have). The Olympic rivets should just be buttered with sealant before being installed in the existing holes. Try to dry fit (test) a rivet to see if the existing hole is the right size for the rivets you have. Then push some sealant in the hole and when the buttered rivet is installed and popped it will be very well sealed. Hold the rivet gun firmly to make sure it doesn't jump off the rivet and mar your panel! You may find it a good idea to surround the area around where you are setting a new rivet with a piece of material so the rivet gun has something to land on instead of your aluminum panel. A few layers of cardboard is a cheap way to protect your skins. Just use painters tape to hold them temporarily in place. After you are done installing the new rivets clean off any excess sealant with a clean terrycloth towel. Use a Dremel type tool to smooth the top of the rivet. Hope this helps, Ed

[Fmazza]

Any sealant recommendations? I have Capt. Tolley’s but I doubt this is what you have in mind.

[BIGED52]

Originally Posted by Fmazza

Any sealant recommendations? I have Capt. Tolley’s but I doubt this is what you have in mind.

Fmazza, I would use either Vulkem or Acryl-R both are used by the factory and dealers to re-seal panels and rivets. The Capt. Tolleys Creeping Crack Cure is really great to use to seal very small seam leaks or around rivets to keep moisture from penetrating inside skins. But After use you should still use one of the caulks above to seal any seam or rivet for long term protection. DO NOT use any silicone based sealant on aluminum! Ed

[Fmazza]

I have been having a hard time finding the acrylic-r applicator. Any idea where I can find?

[cazual6]

The underlying problem could be your tire PSI is too high causing a rougher ride, causing the rivets to pop out. Something to think about.

[BigTexRex]

I was on a factory tour and had a chance to practice installing/shaving Olympic rivets. I asked the question about using or not using the washer. The way tech explained it plus installing a rivet with and without a washer and witnessing a much better seal with one, I would recommend using the washer.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by BigTexRex

I was on a factory tour and had a chance to practice installing/shaving Olympic rivets. I asked the question about using or not using the washer. The way tech explained it plus installing a rivet with and without a washer and witnessing a much better seal with one, I would recommend using the washer.

I don't recommend. I used one with the washer...once. within a year the o-ring UV rotted and it came out, leaving a unseated/loose rivet.

[heslinhotel]

Fmazza, Acryl-R applicator was available from Outofdoors Mart. Around $30 as I recall.

[Fmazza]

Thanks. I ended up ordering Vulkem 116 so it can arrive before our first trip. I will order Acrylic-R but this may be very similar to Vulkem.
Thank you.