Pop rivets for wing window w/s?

[Jeepnut]

Installing the full weatherstripping set for the vent/wingwindows. My kit is from Brothers, I believe seals are Precision. It came with the rivets and the installation tool to install the wing window seal on the window track. I attempted one rivet and it was a hassle...I know they say to use two people but didnÂ’t have anyone available and usually donÂ’t.

Question: will typical pop rivets work? The local hardware store has some that are stainless steel that appear to be the same diameter. I will still use the correct supplied rivet for the vent window pivot hinge.

Thank you

Walt
68 CST.

[notsolo]

A Hassle, is putting it mildly...Frustrating for sure. I used small flat head bolts, I could not get the rivet to tighten up...Without the correct tool it is nearly impossible. NOT what you wanted to hear...Good luck.

[leddzepp]

I’ve used pop rivets, makes it much easier. I ground down the head of the tool so it would fit in the channel and make the rivet nice and tight.

[Mike_The_Grad]

PITA FOR SURE. I overhauled my passenger wing window. Took me 3 days pulling and reinstalling. That rivet kit is no fun. They make special tools for those type rivets. They range from $90-$300. Didnt warrant a purchase for me.

Because of the awkwardness and difficulty involved. I've only done the one side window. The drivers side is in worse condition than the passenger side was.

All in all, it came out pretty good and I'm happy with it.

Here's a tip if you find yourself tackling this solo like I did.
Get a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" flat stock mild steel by about 2" wide and about as long as your window assembly or at least the width of your bench vise jaws.(you do have a bench vise right?) Place the flat stock in the vice and set it so that the vent window channel rides along the edge but high enough for the vent window assembly to NOT touch the vice jaws. It helps a lot when your setting the tube rivets by giving you a solid surface to strike the rivet setting tool with your hammer. Also, theres a great YouTube video on overhauling the vent window assembly. Its about 45 minutes long. But is well worth watching at least once.

https://youtu.be/WiZOiHmcb_w

[jeff_wilson70]

After ordering the rivet kit with the little tool. I cut the tool down and attempted to use a C-Clamp.....Also my bench vise....The rivet tool distorts and was able to press a couple of rivets.....Very frustrating.

So, I then ordered some stainless steel chicago screws typically used for leather on amazon and this was very simple. The hardest part was getting them in and around the rubber on the vertical seal. But otherwise was very simple and I used them on all the rivets including the main pivot. These tightened down nicely and my vent windows are now as good as new.

Here is a link for the screws I ordered......They are 3/16 posts that are 1/8" long.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[shoveldug]

Originally Posted by jeff_wilson70

After ordering the rivet kit with the little tool. I cut the tool down and attempted to use a C-Clamp.....Also my bench vise....The rivet tool distorts and was able to press a couple of rivets.....Very frustrating.

So, I then ordered some stainless steel chicago screws typically used for leather on amazon and this was very simple. The hardest part was getting them in and around the rubber on the vertical seal. But otherwise was very simple and I used them on all the rivets including the main pivot. These tightened down nicely and my vent windows are now as good as new.

Here is a link for the screws I ordered......They are 3/16 posts that are 1/8" long.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

first time I have seen this approach. Interesting!

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by Mike_The_Grad

PITA FOR SURE. I overhauled my passenger wing window. Took me 3 days pulling and reinstalling. That rivet kit is no fun. They make special tools for those type rivets. They range from $90-$300. Didnt warrant a purchase for me.

Because of the awkwardness and difficulty involved. I've only done the one side window. The drivers side is in worse condition than the passenger side was.

All in all, it came out pretty good and I'm happy with it.

Here's a tip if you find yourself tackling this solo like I did.
Get a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" flat stock mild steel by about 2" wide and about as long as your window assembly or at least the width of your bench vise jaws.(you do have a bench vise right?) Place the flat stock in the vice and set it so that the vent window channel rides along the edge but high enough for the vent window assembly to NOT touch the vice jaws. It helps a lot when your setting the tube rivets by giving you a solid surface to strike the rivet setting tool with your hammer. Also, theres a great YouTube video on overhauling the vent window assembly. Its about 45 minutes long. But is well worth watching at least once.

https://youtu.be/WiZOiHmcb_w

Mike is right on.......a piece of steel to back up the channel makes it doable with the tool that comes with the kit. I really like the little screw idea too.

Blake

[tdangle]

I just did the drivers side last weekend. Yes it is PITA! If I had the proper rivet tool it would actually have been quite easy but not ready to spend big $ for a one time fix. I think I am going to try using pop rivets for the other side this weekend. If it doesn't work I can always use the rivets I bought with the rubber pieces.

Hint: A work surface in the middle of the floor with a vise mounted to it is much easier that a workbench against a wall.

[71meangreenc10]

I took a Arbor Press and drilled out the press part to hold the tool provided in the kit. Then use a piece of square stock on the back side.

Works....

Smitty

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

I took a Arbor Press and drilled out the press part to hold the tool provided in the kit. Then use a piece of square stock on the back side.

Works....

Smitty

Thats actually not a bad idea. It would have other uses also and Harbor Freight has a 1 ton for $60

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

I took a Arbor Press and drilled out the press part to hold the tool provided in the kit. Then use a piece of square stock on the back side.

Works....

Smitty

Great idea

[71meangreenc10]

Originally Posted by tdangle

Thats actually not a bad idea. It would have other uses also and Harbor Freight has a 1 ton for $60

Yep,

I can post a pic tomorrow.

Smitty

[71meangreenc10]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Great idea

Thank you!!

Smitty

[Average Joe]

Sub'd for later reference. Great ideas guys. Thanks for sharing!!!

[Project86]

i gave up on mine. rebuilt everything with precision seals attempted the rivet kit.
ended up using stainless steel screws and nylon lock washers.

[Montierth]

Anyone have pics of the pop rivets or the screws? Never thought of either. I too ordered the kit but cant imagine tapping those rivets and everything tightening up properly.

[rcazwillis]

Finished both windows Friday. The video linked above is very helpful. Used 1/2" aluminum as described, worked really well. The rivets and tool do the job if you can get a solid backing on the head of the rivet. Also used two threaded Chicago studs to fix an error. Don't forget some lock tight.

[TBONE1964]

Zip products makes a nice rivet tool for these.