Topic: Grille Rivets

[rrenz]

Restoring my grille and I'm ready to put my new tube rivets in. Where is everyone obtaining the Tool or Die to compress these? I was originally thinking I would try to turn a tool on my lathe but if there is a good source for a tool I may just purchase one. Thanks.

[67gtasanjose]

Click on this link, check page 2, scroll down to find the tool I made for doing these rivets on my 67.
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=13842.15#lastPost

I bought the dies here if they are still available: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181482608898?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I imagine there are less expensive dies out there but this is what I used.

[rrenz]

Thanks. I haven’t run into that thread yet. Looks like I’ll go this route. After rechroming the horse and corral what’s another 40 bucks at this point I guess.

[jwc66k]

I've used these guys for years - jay cee sales and rivet co. https://rivetsinstock.com/
Here's the tool - https://www.rivetsonline.com/solid-semi-tubular-rivet-tools/hand-rivet-squeezers
It was cheaper way back when.
I used it to reattach 64-66 ash tray slide rails after I had the ash trays replated. I made fixtures to attach the face plate using a Harbor Freight one ton arbor press and the dies used from the hand rivet tool. See below.
It also is good for 64-65 grill end pieces.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

Thanks. I haven’t run into that thread yet. Looks like I’ll go this route. After rechroming the horse and corral what’s another 40 bucks at this point I guess.

That is where I was at at the time. Jim's idea is good too. The actual rivet squeezer tool is not too expensive either and I am sure like any tool, it will get used again here or there for other things.

I wish to add a detail I discovered on the tool I made (mentioned later in the thread link I posted), I added a 1/4" ball bearing into the threaded press side of the C-clamp to prevent the die from spinning during the "squeeze". A spinning die could (read as WILL) damage any painted or plated surface.

[rrenz]

Thanks for the help. I like both ideas since I already have a shop press. a cheap c clamp from harbor freight would work well also.Ill have to order the die and see what I can come up with.

[must69]

jwc66k, I tried the link you provided for the rivets.  Any idea what they actually call them? I could not find any reference to tube rivets on their site.
Thanks.
Phil

[Skyway65]

jwc66k, I tried the link you provided for the rivets.  Any idea what they actually call them? I could not find any reference to tube rivets on their site.
Thanks.
Phil

I used these on my '65 grill a couple of years ago--they are nearly an identical match to the originals.

[jwc66k]

Gary,
That's them.
Jim

[must69]

Thanks for all the info on the grille rivets.  I got the dies, but the rivets in black are no longer available, so aluminum will have to do and that paint or phosphate.
Thanks.
Phil

[Skyway65]

Good luck with the project.  Post some pictures when you're done.

[must69]

I decided to get the rivet compressor, and in five minutes it is done. I had purchased an aftermarket replacement grille.  That one is going back. 

[jwc66k]

I decided to get the rivet compressor, and in five minutes it is done.

"The right tool for the right job". My father used to say that a lot.
Jim

[must69]

Jim, I tried to rig up something to compress them, but I needed two extra hands.  Just was not worth my time. For $62. On Amazon it was worth it.  I have a saying to, if I need a tool, don’t rent or borrow, buy it!  Your dad was absolutely right!
Phil

[jwc66k]

Jim, I tried to rig up something to compress them, but I needed two extra hands.  Just was not worth my time. For $62. On Amazon it was worth it.  I have a saying to, if I need a tool, don’t rent or borrow, buy it!  Your dad was absolutely right!
Phil

Phil,
Take a look the two pictures in reply 3 (mine). They show fixtures I made up to install rivets in 64-66 ashtray side rails and face plates using the rivet dies associated with the rivet hand tool. I use the same Harbor Freight press on license plate light assemblies, and bolt removal and installation from coil spring saddles (that was for Jason - morsel - last weekend). I made three more fixtures today, from a couple of 1/2 inch conduit fittings and a piece of 3/4 inch conduit, to press out and then in, the lamp sockets. The conduit fitting were notched to clear the license plate wire.
(Psst - the arbor press can be used to crack walnuts if necessary.)
Jim