what is the best way for taking out the Metal Rivets?

[ReevesMotorsports]

Im doing a Lift on my 87 ranger and i was wondering what is the best way to take out the metal rivets that hold the radius arm brackets and 4 or 5 ones that are on the cross member under the engine. i was told to drill them out and that takes hella long. but the hard ones to get to is the ones under the engine on that cross member or whatever is its called. please give me some info!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Either grind the heads off and punch them through with a hammer and punch OR

Grind an X into the heads of the rivets and use an air chisel to peel the heads off, then a punch bit in the air hammer to knock them through the frame.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Either grind the heads off and punch them through with a hammer and punch OR

Grind an X into the heads of the rivets and use an air chisel to peel the heads off, then a punch bit in the air hammer to knock them through the frame.

Regular chisel and punch work too. Both ways [grinding head off or grinding in an x] worked for me, the x is quicker most times, but...
Richard

 

[crbnunit]

Say hi to your new best friend!

 

[Frank The Tank]

Grinder, die grinder with a pilot punch..... torch (superheat, then hit with hammer and punch) A lot of people are against heat on the frame though (I'm not, haha)


But to be honest..... if your on here trying to find a faster way to do it, then youve wasted a lot of time you could be getting them out the slow way, so in reality you'd allready have this project done by now, if you hadn't tried to find a faster way.

Frank

 

[Grey_04]

torch works good also.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes, if you are good with a torch you can wash the heads right off then punch them through.

 

[Dusty_Ranger]

get some diamond cut drill bits, drill a pilot hole the move to a few sizes bigger and drill untill the rivet head pops off then pound whats left thru the frame, its super easy compared to a grinder

 

[legoms013]

I did mine with a torch, used a scarfing tip and scarfed them right off, then punched them out. NOW THAT WAS FAST! Made short work of 'em rivets. However if you don't have a torch and or have never used one I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[ReevesMotorsports]

thanks guys. i got them off. but needless to say they suck!

 

[Grey_04]

thanks guys. i got them off. but needless to say they suck!

glad to hear that, how much more you have to do on that thing yet?

 

[colby450xc]

I know the work has already been done but buying a cheap angle grinder with a cutting disk on it is the best way unless you have a torch. I replaced my leaf spring shackle and hanger last week and grinding the rivet heads off was the EASIEST part of the job. The worst part was removing the old leaf spring bushing and putting the new one in. For anyone doing this same job in the future, if you can remove the leaf springs use a vise to press the new bushing in after you have the spring eye red hot.

 

[AllanD]

Grinder, die grinder with a pilot punch..... torch (superheat, then hit with hammer and punch) A lot of people are against heat on the frame though (I'm not, haha)


But to be honest..... if your on here trying to find a faster way to do it, then youve wasted a lot of time you could be getting them out the slow way, so in reality you'd allready have this project done by now, if you hadn't tried to find a faster way.

Frank

By definition formed frames are low carbon mild steel they are NOT "heat treated" nor are they heat treatable.

So I really doubt that the heat from torching a rivet off would hurt anything... this is presuming you don't make any new holes in the frame while doing so.


But while I'm on the subject NEVEr use 7/16" bolts to re-mount brackets "because they fit" because being frank, they DO NOT, they are too loose

Drill the holes so you can use a 1/2" bolts, preferably a fine thread bolt, grade 8 isn't necissary.... but if it makes you feel better...

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