Topic: Ash Tray Rivet Removal

[Bossbill]

Although this topic shows a 67 ash tray, other years also have access issues with these hollow rivets.

When dealing with hollow rivets you can either take off the head or the take out the back where the rivet has been curled over.
Taking out the head is difficult if you attempt to find its center and drill it out or if you try to grind it off without touching any other surrounding parts.
Drilling through the curled over area is difficult as the access is severely limited.

I happen to have a 12" long 1/8" drill bit and found that the added length of the drill bit allows access since the Jacobs head is far away from the rivet.
I've found that drilling at an angle works better than straight on since straight on drilling tends to make the rivet spin.

The plastic glides can also be removed with little damage by using a miniature pry bar.

[J_Speegle]

Creative solution

Thanks for sharing.

[jwc66k]

I want to see the "rig" for installing new rivets.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

I want to see the "rig" for installing new rivets.
Jim

Doubles as a grille rivet setting tool also.

Though initially I designed this home made rivet tool for use on my 67's grille braces, I also tested it out on the ash tray too. The rivet split but looked pretty good I thought.

NOTE: Install a 1/4" ball bearing underneath the concave die (threaded shaft side) so the die will not spin along with the threaded shaft while the rivet gets squeezed.
I believe the rest is self-explanatory with the pictures. It cost about $30 for the dies.
ALSO NOTE: You do NOT need to hunt for a "PONY" brand C-clamp, but it does add a little humor to the design

[jwc66k]

I like it. It's the "staking" end that has been the dilemma for me. After a quick look at my "project prototype" 67 ashtray, I can see what I have to do. I got all winter to do it.
Jim

[bullitt68]

Great post thanks. I was actually planning to zinc plate my ashtray and then paint it, but now I can take it apart and do it right. What rivets would be correct to use

[66RavenGTCoupeAgain]

You can now buy 65 Grille rivets from NPD