Author Topic: How to remove pop rivets safely  (Read 7334 times)

Offline JayB

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How to remove pop rivets safely
« on: September 18, 2016, 05:22:47 pm »
Hi Guys. I'm new to this and legends cars in general so sorry if this a ridiculous  question. I'm removing the bodywork and I'm trying to find the best way to remove the rivets without damaging anything. Any tips on how you guys have done it. Also (Bonus question) How do you change the gear ratio in the car. I'm not really a mechanic but I'm learning as I go so any help is appreciated. ( Probably a little detailed instruction would help)Thanks!


Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios


Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2016, 08:21:06 pm »
Hi Jay,

Welcome to the site!

Question #1: Removing Rivets

Step 1 - Select Your Drill Bit

The first thing you should do is spend time carefully choosing the right drill bit for your project. The drill bit needs to be slightly bigger than the stem of the rivet but smaller than the head. The purpose of drilling through the rivet isn't to drill right though; it's simply to take the head off so that the fastening can be removed. The drill bit you choose should be able to cut this head.

Step 2 - Prepare

Put the drill bit into the drill and tighten the chuck up. Make sure that you support your metal work properly so that you can safely and easily work on the rivet in question.


Some rivets have a center indent while others have a completely smooth head. If yours are smooth, hammer the tip of a small punch into it to create an indent for guide.

Step 3 - Drill

Place the tip of the bit in the center of the rivet head and start drilling, but keep the speed low at this point. It can be difficult not to skid everywhere when drilling rivets which is why you will need start slowly. Once the head comes away from the body of the rivet stop immediately. Do this quickly because carrying on could cause damage.

Step 4 - Remove the Rest of the Rivet

If the rivet hasn't come out already due to the vibrations, then you can simply remove the rest of the rivet by using the center punch and hammer. Put the punch onto the rivet stem and then give it a hit; this should make the rest of the rivet fall out. If you have done this carefully and properly then the metal around the rivet should not be damaged at all.

Step 5 - Repeat on Other Rivets

Repeat the process on other rivets until you have removed all of them.


Question #2: How to change gear ratio

A couple different ways to go about it. The easiest way is to replace the whole center section (3rd Member or Pumpkin, as it commonly referred as). This makes gear changes relatively simple (Swap out one for another). Here is an good thread on that question:  http://www.legendsracer.com/index.php?topic=3935.0

1) Basically; jack up the rear end of the car and remove the wheels and drive shaft, pull the drain plug on the bottom of the rear end housing and drain the oil into a pan. While that is draining, move back to the axles. There will be a hole in the hub that allows you access to the 4 bolts (on each side) that release the axles. Pull the axles loose from the center section.  Move back under the car and undo the 10 nuts (or bolts) that hold the center section to the rear end housing. Bolt in the center section that has the gear of your choice. Reverse the process to install. Note that this is a good time to replace wheel bearings and seals. ;)

2) Install a new ring gear and pinion gear (with the gearing of your choice). With limited mechanical skills (and I am going to guess tools),  this is better left to a professional. Find a good rear end specialist, or someone that knows how to properly install ring and pinion gears.

I hope those answers help you some.

Steve
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.


Offline JayB

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2016, 11:03:54 pm »
Thanks for the help. I think I can handle the rivets. I was practicing on a extra deck lid I had and did find it hard to keep the rivet from spinning. But your tips definitely helped. As for the gear. Yeah I kind of knew it would be a lot of work and I'll probably will follow you advice to get a professional.  But you said to replace the "third member" is best. So what do I ask for when I buy a 3.90 for example from INEX. Do I need to mention the whole third member or do I just ask for the gear I want? And of course all of the seals and stuff.  Also thanks again for the help I really appreciate it.
Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios

Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2016, 04:43:39 am »
It's not really to hard to change out the 3rd member yourself. Perhaps get a buddy to help you out. You are going to learn to fix lots of different stuff on your race car.
It might be cheaper if you buy a good used 3rd member. Check out the classified section here on the site. You might be able to trade or sell your old gears to help defray cost.
If you are just going to buy the ring and pinion gears, then I would suggest a professional.

So, to further mess with your head (lol!); Are you going to use welded gears or spooled? Read through some of the old threads in the drivetrain & Gearing section.

Steve
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.

Offline JayB

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2016, 09:28:39 am »
Well I actually just bought the car brand new and the dealer recommended the spooled gear. He said "90%" of people use it. I'm not sure if that's true or not but I haven't had an issue with the spooled gear yet. So I'll probably keep spooled gear unless I encounter a issue with them. And the reason I'm changing the gear is because when I bought the car they asked what gear I wanted. So I just eyeballed a 1/4 mile. And decided to use a 4.10. But i read on a gear chart and it said a 3.90 would be better. Do you think that's a huge difference? Also now that you brought it up. What is the process that I need to take to change from spooled to welded if I needed to later?
Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios


Offline Legends57x

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2016, 10:57:08 am »
Just a note regarding Steve's directions...You do not have to remove entire driveshaft. Only remove four bolts clamping driveshaft to center section drive flange and push driveshaft toward engine as driveshaft length is manually adjustable. Also, axle seals are relatively easy to replace, however, axle shaft bearings are a different story. Unless you are mechanically inclined and own a large bench press, I suggest just periodically checking them and if they do need to be replaced, send them to someone like Mike at CMG to have them changed.  Good luck!
Mark Ritger
INEX Legends #1x


Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2016, 02:19:46 pm »
Mark,
Thanks for the input! I have had my local NAPA store press my old bearings off and install new ones. Cost was minimal.

Jay,
I think 90% may be an exaggeration. A spool does help with less rotating mass. I do not know what the weight savings may be, as I have never weighed the two.
What track(s) are you running at? That will help with gear selection.

If you choose to keep your spool, then you will want to use a professional to set it up for you properly. You will need to order the ring and pinion.
If you choose to use a welded gear, the easiest way is to buy a complete 3rd member and just swap out.

Steve
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.

Offline JayB

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2016, 03:12:37 pm »
I'm  going to race at Sunny South and Charlotte for the most part.  So for a welded gear I just replace the member. And for the spooled one I have to order the ring and pinion? I might get a welded one then. To change from spooled to welded I just swap out the third member right? And thanks again for the advice Mark and Steve.
Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios


Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2016, 04:42:19 pm »
Yep; just swap out the 3rd member and you are good to go.

Gerad (Bigmil) put together a pretty nice list for us for track and gear combos.
 Sunny South: 3:90 (3:33 as an optional gear)
 Charlotte: (Depending on which track you choose to run)
  1/4 mile: 3:42 in 3rd gear
                3:33 in 3rd gear (Optional gear: 3:30 in 3rd gear)
  1/5 mile: 3:58 in 3rd gear

I am by no means a gear expert. So perhaps someone will jump in and help choose the best compromise. I am thinking the 3:42 or 3:58. ???

Steve

Sunny South is listed a high banked track; Charlotte is listed as a flat track. I have seen some video from both but have never raced either track (I'm out in the pac-northwest).
Set up on your car will be different between the 2 tracks (flat vs banked).
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.

Offline JayB

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2016, 10:25:27 pm »
Yeah I plan to set the car up differently on those two tracks. I plan to buy a setup book to help me with that. And thanks again Steve for the help. It's literally impossible to get any real information about the cars anywhere else but here. So I really appreciate this forum and whoever owns it.

Jay B
Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios


Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #10 on: September 19, 2016, 10:48:48 pm »
Kevin Yeatts sells a good book from what I have heard. He offers updates to people who have bought his book. He is also a member here on the site.

Glad you are enjoying the site. Read through the old threads as you have time. There is quite a bit of information if you take the time to read it.

Steve
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.

Offline JayB

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2016, 03:27:32 pm »
To follow up I was able to take out the pop rivets without any issues and I decided to wait until I did some practice laps before I decide whether or not to change the gear ratio. So thanks again for all the help guys.
Jay Berrios Driver of the #25 Chevy Coupe             Follow me on twitter please @Jay_Berrios

Offline justfreaky

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Re: How to remove pop rivets safely
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2016, 04:03:46 pm »
Thanks for the update Jay.

Steve
Better to be hated for who you are, Than to be loved for who you are not.

 

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