frame rivet length
 

anyone know what length of rivet to use on a 1 ton frame? got a few that need fixed and I'm not interested in bolting it. I want to hot rivet them like original. Its just a bare frame and I can get to it easy. thanks.

Re: frame rivet length
 

When I worked at Boeing, the general rule was to make the rivet protrude as far as the rivet diameter measures. Of course, that was aluminum, but I'm pretty sure the general rule is still applicable.
So basically, a 3/8 rivet should protrude 3/8" out the backside before your bucking bar mate applies his support.

Re: frame rivet length
 

thats good info. thanks.

Re: frame rivet length
 

Take a couple photos of the process, and post them in this thread. I'd be interested to see how hot riveting is done on a hobbyist scale.

Re: frame rivet length
 

I'll try to remember. may be awhile before it get it done.
planning on heating them with a torch and punching them in with an air hammer attachment.

Re: frame rivet length
 

One other thing that just occurred to me I forgot to mention: That rivet length "rule" is very much dependent on the fit of the rivet in the hole. Since the whole idea of riveting is to have them swell to fill the hole they're put in, it needs to be an accurate fit to keep the rivet tail from being too thin when you're bucking it.

Re: frame rivet length
 

Original was not hot; they were cold riveted.

Also - the factory repair for a missing or mis hit rivet was a 3/8 grade 8 bolt.

K