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Hi guys, I’m in the process of repairing some rust around the rear spring hangers on my frame, and so I’ll be taking out a number of the rivets. Who here has had experience with replacing the rivets? The way I see it, I can go the route of hot riveting using my oxy torch and an air hammer, but I may need to buy a larger air hammer. Or, I can drill the holes out to 1/2 inch and use properly sized flange bolts and locking nuts. Does anyone have any input? I’m curious if it is worth the effort redoing the rivets or not.

Cheers,
Rob

Rivets will allow movement (flex) without coming loose. You can buy the rivets and a buck readily. It takes a big gun to drive them. A forge will work better for heating them. It is a 3 person job. Heater/setter. Buck and riveter

I used nuts, lock washers, and Grade 8 bolts on my front spring hangers, as the originals were so wallowed out they couldn't be salvaged.
Gary

I used grade 8 bolts, but be sure the bolts are US made. I bought some from a bolt supply house and could not torque to specs-they just stretched. Did some research and found them to be made in Japan. Bought some US made bolts and they torqued down just fine. Note, be sure to torque them down to max specs, I used crimp style grade 8 locknuts.

Ok thanks for the advice. Looks like the options are to buy rivets (cheap) and gun(expensive) or go the route of using the proper flanged bolts which seem to go for around $50 a box at Fastenal. Probably just going to go the route of bolts I think since it means I don’t have to find helpers for riveting when everyone is isolating due to the pandemic. Also, I don’t foresee the bolts being an issue regarding frame flexion as this truck is no longer hauling heavy loads off-road etc.
As an afterthought though, riveting does involve all the right stuff .... fire, power tools, and hammering things

I have the tools to rivet. (I've done boilers) It is fun after the initial panic subsides.

TB 9-2300-247-40_2 Transport Wheeled Vehicles Repair of Frames 13 Aug 1965 recommends fine thread bolts