Buck rivets vs Olympic rivets

[Shermy1987]

Originally Posted by badpaddler

Which I would agree with, but I have no option. Or at least it is not a viable option.

The point is. A 5/32 Olympic rivet is not structurally superior. When you use one you will see why. Also. If you do choose to go that route. Make sure you buy them from a good supplier. There were shipments of Chinese ones last year that were all junk. I unfortunately brought some as airparts were out of stock.

[Renascence]

Thank you to those who have posted their experiences and knowledge to this thread. It helps those of us who might be considered 'newbies' to adequately prepare for unforeseen repairs and so on. Happy trails and adventures.

[badpaddler]

No, but a 1/4" one does have rated strengths greater than a 5/32 buck rivet. Even a 3/16 gets close. I know the heads are bigger, but I am fine with that if it keeps me from having to removed the interior skins and cabinets to replace the belly pan.

No one ever said structurally superior. I have used them in the past. Already did a shell off on a 67 and had to use them 2 or 3 places that I could not get a bucking tool. Just wanted to know if they are a suitable replacement if you cannot remove the interior skins. Seems like airstream believes that they are.

I did not know that there are chinese ones out there. I will.order from a gesipa distributor.

Originally Posted by Shermy1987

The point is. A 5/32 Olympic rivet is not structurally superior. When you use one you will see why. Also. If you do choose to go that route. Make sure you buy them from a good supplier. There were shipments of Chinese ones last year that were all junk. I unfortunately brought some as airparts were out of stock.

[danton]

Originally Posted by badpaddler

Just wanted to know if they are a suitable replacement if you cannot remove the interior skins. Seems like airstream believes that they are.

Airstream will replace complete panels and quarter panels with Olympic rivets. Their service department told me it is the most common rivet they use on exterior panel replacement. Due to the number of rivets on a complete panel, they said structurally, we should not see a difference.