Rivet Quality

[hrosenthal]

I was running low on 1/8 x 1/2 inch rivets.
I purchased some Arrow brand rivets.
Before I start using them, I was wondering if all rivets are created equal.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
H

[Gumball]

All rivets are absolutely NOT created equal... check out this link for some detailed information on rivets. I tossed all of the rivets that came with my kit and purchased Avex rivets from Crawford. These are very high quality rivets that are reasonably priced. Also, they pull incredibly well and leave a very nice shape on the back of the panel for those times when both sides are visible.

http://www.crawfordproducts.com/index.htm

[edwardb]

I used mainly Ultimate rivets from Summit. I think they're much higher quality than the provided rivets. Box of 250 is around $15. They have a pretty wide grip range. I used the larger 3/8 head also. And black ones for the engine compartment where I have all the panels black powder coated. They pull really well.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-abs4246lurr1/overview/

[68GT500MAN]

I have never had any problems using the rivets supplied in the kits. When I needed more I purchased them from McMaster Carr delivered to my door the next day. In my opinion you do NOT need special rivets to build these cars, the silicone and rivet combination hold quite well.
Doug

[edwardb]

I have never had any problems using the rivets supplied in the kits. When I needed more I purchased them from McMaster Carr delivered to my door the next day. In my opinion you do NOT need special rivets to build these cars, the silicone and rivet combination hold quite well.
Doug

I agree there is nothing wrong with the rivets supplied by FFR, and can be used with confidence. Also agree the rivets are only part of the bond, e.g. mainly to pull and hold the pieces in place until the silicone or whatever other adhesive is used. For my Mk4 build, though, I wanted to color match the rivets to the black powder coat I was using. When researching, found reference to the Ultimate rivets from Summit I mentioned in the earlier post, which are available in several colors. You can see lots of them here:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/IMG_1889.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/IMG_1889.jpg.html)

In the process, found that I really liked the wide grip range. Whether just two .040 panels or panels into much thicker layers or frame members, really pulled well and gave a very tight joint for the adhesive to do its thing. So bought another box and used for most of the build.

Agree that McMaster is a great supplier. I've spent my share there as well. Both have great service, and since both are located in northern Ohio, in either case orders from them are on my porch the next day.

[CHOTIS BILL]

I am with Gumball. I use also Avex rivets because the way they pull the body of the rivet expands to fill the hole and pulls the panels together much better than regular rivets. The result is an tighter joint with no ugly bit on the back side.

Bill Lomenick

[ram_g]

Here's another option. Most of the rivets on my build (and a bunch of other supplies - aluminum stock, extra switchgear, etc.) were from Aircraft Spruce: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ps/index.html Don't be misled by their primary market - they actually sell a bunch of things that are very applicable to our homebuilt cars.

[AZPete]

Can one you guys using Avex rivets post a photo of how they look on the back side? I have no complaint with the FFR rivets but if the Avex rivets look better than the crushed stub on the back, I'm in.
Pete

[Gumball]

+1 on Aircraft Spruce - I use those guys for a ton of stuff!

As for pics of the Avex rivets, this is the best I can do just pulling something from my album... I can take a better picture tonight or tomorrow and re-post if you want better detail.

Here is the back side - look along the edge of the firewall stiffener:

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/TankMountingDetail.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/TankMountingDetail.jpg.html)

Here is the top side - note the lack of a visible mandrel... they break off cleanly down inside the rivet.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/UpperRadHose1.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/UpperRadHose1.jpg.html)

[Cobradavid]

I have never had any problems using the rivets supplied in the kits. When I needed more I purchased them from McMaster Carr delivered to my door the next day. In my opinion you do NOT need special rivets to build these cars, the silicone and rivet combination hold quite well.
Doug

I agree. I used the supplied rivets and purchased aluminum rivets at the local hardware store when I needed a few more. I have over 7,000 miles on my roadster, and not one rivet has come loose.

David

[AZPete]

Thanks, Gumball, for the photos. I like the looks and will probably use them on my 818.
Pete