Riveting poppers

[TheManAlive]

When i built my car I put the poppers on with a standard Riveter. At the time I did not realise, but the nose of the riveter was too broad to fit into the opening of the popper. As such, some of them are loose.

 

I have purchased some of directional poppers form Soft Bits to keep the tonneau on when I am driving and am now looking to replace the poppers on the car. What is the trick to getting the riveter to work properly? Is it a case of finding one with a smaller fitting or is there a trick to it?

 

Thanks

[CharlesElliott]

'Standard riveter' - a pop riveter or something else?

[Englishmaninwales]

You can use some small washers between the rivet and nose of the riveter

[CharlesElliott]

OK, I see - you meant on the car.

 

If you can, get an Emhart Tucker riveter (e.g. TT55) they have small noses that will fit in the rivets.

[ChrisC]

I used a M2 lock nut and a standard riveter over the weekend, very pleased with the tight poppers that it produced.

 

Chris.

[TheManAlive]

Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that! Doh. I'll be rummaging for an M2 nut or some small washers later.

 

I blame the heat - I know its hot in the UK right now, but here in Cyprus the garage hasn't been below 33 degrees for the last few weeks and it makes even the simplest jobs a test of endurance!

[Roger Ford]

Make sure you use countersunk pop rivets as well.

 

Now, anyone know how I can replace the popper base that lives behind the side impact bar without removing the side impact bar? (Which I don't want to do because it was a pig to fit). I'd say there was about an inch and a half of clearance

[CharlesElliott]

Chisel up behind the base?

 

Would be easier if the car wasn't painted...

[Roger Ford]

Getting the old base off isn't a problem, it's already fallen off. It's pop riveting a new one on when you can't get the riveter in there that's the issue. JK sent me a link to someone doing something similar with bent rivets and a wedge-shaped spacer, so I'll give that a try.

[6speedmanual]

I just ground the nose of the rivetter down until it pokes snugly in side the popper.

 

Peter

[CharlesElliott]

Or use a self tapper?

[Nigel Riches]

TheManAlive, if you put a washer on the inside, where the rivet tail protrudes, there is less likelihood of the popper pulling out under load.

 

Regards Nigel.