1969 Spare Tire Tub Restoration - cont.
Not sure of the protocol, whether to start a new thread or continue with the restoration question thread I had started a couple of weeks ago regarding my spare tire tub? Decided to start a new thread specific to correctly bucking the v-strap rivets. Need a close-up photo of the head and the tail of NCRS correctly installed rivets to secure the v-strap to the lower spare tire tub. Or, photos of a 1969 OEM spare tire tub with close-ups of the head and tail of the rivets to secure the v-strap showing the correct "dome" look.
Back story on my tub:
Bought this tub on Corvette Forum couple of years ago. Found out from previous NCRS Tech Discussion posting, that someone previously removed the v-strap. When the v-strap was reinstalled, they used the wrong (hollow) rivets, wrong size rivets, and they installed them upside down. I removed the v-strap, ordered new rivets, bought a cheap air hammer from Harbour Freight, bought 6 pcs air pneumatic tools to set the rivets, bought a 2 lb. bucking tool, sandblasted and painted the v-strap since it was off the tub, wet sanded and matt clear coated the inside and outside of the spare tire tub. Looks nice. Now that all the crud is removed from the inside and outside of the tub, you can see where someone used a grinding tool to cut the heads and tails off the rivets, damaging both the inside fiberglass tub and the v-strap where the old rivets were located. Just wonderful.
I am attaching photos from an aftermarket spare tub that I have in my attic, showing the head and tail rivet details. Also from previous NCRS Tech Discussion posting, I learned that the rivets should have a "domed" look. I am assuming the dome shape is on the tail? I have a manual domed rivet punch from Corvette Central I can use to creat the dome once I buck the tail of the rivet flat and tight to hold the v-strap secure...guess I could also use one of the dome tools from the 6 pcs rivet setting set too - just to finish the look of the tail.
My first time setting solid rivets. I'm not a mechanic, not a professional restorer. Just a retired dude who likes learning new DIY things. I'll grab my neighbor to help me hold the tub while I buck the rivets. I have looked at 3-4 "how to" videos on-line for setting solid rivets.
Kevin
Back story on my tub:
Bought this tub on Corvette Forum couple of years ago. Found out from previous NCRS Tech Discussion posting, that someone previously removed the v-strap. When the v-strap was reinstalled, they used the wrong (hollow) rivets, wrong size rivets, and they installed them upside down. I removed the v-strap, ordered new rivets, bought a cheap air hammer from Harbour Freight, bought 6 pcs air pneumatic tools to set the rivets, bought a 2 lb. bucking tool, sandblasted and painted the v-strap since it was off the tub, wet sanded and matt clear coated the inside and outside of the spare tire tub. Looks nice. Now that all the crud is removed from the inside and outside of the tub, you can see where someone used a grinding tool to cut the heads and tails off the rivets, damaging both the inside fiberglass tub and the v-strap where the old rivets were located. Just wonderful.
I am attaching photos from an aftermarket spare tub that I have in my attic, showing the head and tail rivet details. Also from previous NCRS Tech Discussion posting, I learned that the rivets should have a "domed" look. I am assuming the dome shape is on the tail? I have a manual domed rivet punch from Corvette Central I can use to creat the dome once I buck the tail of the rivet flat and tight to hold the v-strap secure...guess I could also use one of the dome tools from the 6 pcs rivet setting set too - just to finish the look of the tail.
My first time setting solid rivets. I'm not a mechanic, not a professional restorer. Just a retired dude who likes learning new DIY things. I'll grab my neighbor to help me hold the tub while I buck the rivets. I have looked at 3-4 "how to" videos on-line for setting solid rivets.
Kevin
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