Rivet information

[tinystream]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie and just doing some research before I get started on my '75 Argosy. I have been having the hardest time finding clear information about what type of rivets to get/use on the airstream.

I am replacing the panoramic window, and I'll need to replace the rivets around the window frame. Here are my questions:

Where do I use pop rivets vs Olympic rivets?
Where can I buy the correct type of Rivets?
Do all rivet guns work with all types of rivets or are there different sizes?
How do I know what size rivets to use?

Thanks!

[StephSH]

I was really excited to see this post as I also just got my first Airstream, and have to do exactly the same thing with my panoramic window.. I was really bummed to see that you haven't gotten any answers about rivets.

[lonewolf1977]

For anything that's inside, you'll use pop rivets. They have a hole in the middle that would allow water to pass through, so you don't want to use them outside.

For anything outside, you'll want to use buck rivets or Olympic Rivets (they can be shaved down to resemble buck rivets). Most rivet guns come with two or three interchangeable attachments that you can use for different sized rivets. Buck rivets are a whole 'nother animal. You'd have to have a buck rivet gun and bucking bar...and another person to help out.

[StephSH]

Thanks for the reply, so would Olympic rivets be used to replace the panoramic window/frame? What size? Or is there only one size.....

[Chatooga11]

I used 3/16 inch Olympic rivets for anything on the exterior. 1/8 inch pop rivets on the inside. A rivet shaver is not an inexpensive tool, especially if you only have a few rivets to shave. I used an angle grinder to finish mine.

[Aerowood]

3/16" is to big for for the shell rivets, 5/32 is the correct diameter.

[HiJoeSilver]

Vintage trailer supply has just about all the rivets and rivet tools you'll need. I think they had a information page on rivets at one time, not sure it's still available.
Out of doors mart and inland rv are also sources for your needs.

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by lonewolf1977

For anything outside, you'll want to use buck rivets or Olympic Rivets (they can be shaved down to resemble buck rivets).

Not to be nit picky but there are places on the outside where pop rivets are used. Attaching belt line and rub rail tracks, banana wrap, belly skin.

[Monza]

Areowoods link will give you tons of rivet Reno information. I sugggust reading it, lots to learn from it.
I bought every thing i need for shell repair, tools, and rivets from
http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/se...keyword=Rivets
Shipped quick and easy to deal with.
Good luck.

[tinystream]

Hey Steph, congrats on the Arogsy! I've generally found that this forum answers my questions, but you have to do a TON of digging. The search function is just not helpful. That being said, I am creating a document to track all the resources I am using during my renovation. You are welcome to view it if you want. Just let me know.

Here are some rivet links that helped me answer my own questions:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...nt-158961.html
Olympic vs. pop rivets explainer video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDwM3D0waLg

Pop rivets - explanation and demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJeMMd-6r-w

Places to purchase rivets:
http://bylerrivet.com/contact.aspx
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-179.htm