Where to use screws vs rivets?

[wallace18]

I would like opinions from previous 33 builders. I plan on using 10-32 S/S button head screws for all the firewall and aluminum around the fuel tank and trunk area. I was going to use rivets for the floor and some other areas I did not think would ever be removed. I want to use rivet nuts and screws for the trans tunnel and driveshaft tunnel. As well as any access panel on the kit. Also I was going to use screws and bolts only on the body install. Any thoughts? Thanks for all of your help. It has made this a much easier path with your help. :confused:

[Jay Mann]

I would like opinions from previous 33 builders. I plan on using 10-32 S/S button head screws for all the firewall and aluminum around the fuel tank and trunk area. I was going to use rivets for the floor and some other areas I did not think would ever be removed. I want to use rivet nuts and screws for the trans tunnel and driveshaft tunnel. As well as any access panel on the kit. Also I was going to use screws and bolts only on the body install. Any thoughts? Thanks for all of your help. It has made this a much easier path with your help. :confused:

I like the idea of bolting the upper firewall if you don't have an inner firewall like I do, it would be handy to get in the cowl area. Rivets into the glass body are not so easy to cleanly remove. As for the rest, I preferred to rivet everyting. Rivets don't vibrate loose and they can be removed faster than bolts if I need to remove a panel, then replace the rivet when re-attaching the panel. I won't be removing panels unless a major repair is required. Rivets have a more flush profile if under carpet etc. My two cents worth..... :cool:

[Tim Whittaker]

When building my first Cobra, I was surprised to learn that the rivet heads disappeared under the carpet and insulation stuff. I only mention this because there may be a case where one needs the pop rivet head to be visible rather than the mandrel end of the pop rivet. If that happens to fall on the carpet side of things I don't give it a second thought. In fact my latest Cobra has some of the mandrel ends covered with carpet and you really can't tell.