Best way to remove rivets from frame?

[johnymac]

I need to remove 6 rivets from my frame in order to install my new shock relocator kit and a front sway bar on my 67 C10.

I am curious what methods have been used in removing these rivets?
I hear drill them out, or use a cutting wheel on a drill, grind them off, not sure which might be the easiest.
I am going to try and tackle soon, my power tool collection is shall we say lacking.

I have a friend with a portable air compressor, I was thinking maybe buying an air drill.

Can anyone suggest the best way to remove these before I start buying any tools.

Thanks very much!!

[68SWB4x4]

use a 4 1/2 grinder to grind the heads down, and if they dont come out after that drill them out (ALOT easier to drill them out after you grind the heads down)

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[u2slow]

You can use a torch if you're good... or grind them down, then assault them with an air hammer. Both ways work good

[upzndownz]

best way I've found is to grind them flat then drill them out

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[rico_bob]

Quickest way is to get a sharp metal chisel, a big ball peen hammer, and a pair of heavy leather gloves (you will smack your hand at least once!) And place the chisel right up next to the frame rail at the edge of the rivets. Give it a good sharp rap, and you will be surprised how easy they cut off! You also will need a 1/4 to 3/8 inch drift pin to knock out the rivets. It is clean; plus you won't end up with any grinder marks or whoops! holes from the torch!
BEEN THERE, DONE THIS, AND IT WORKS! ricobob

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Current project: 1957 Chevy Short Wheel Base Stepside, with '58 GMC Big Window Cab, w/327 camel heads, 350 TH Automatic, tilt wheel, and thinking of doing a IFS.

[gchemist]

I agree with rico_bob. I used the same method on my truck when I lowered it. One good whack and the rivet heads come right off!!! Easier than the other methods mentioned.

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1983 Custom Truck
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[ColinOpseth]

the same concept works for when you lose the wheel locks on your car (minus the drift pin (punch) step)

i agree with the previous two posters, knock the head off the rivet and then punch out the rivet

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[johnymac]

I want to thank everyone for the ideas.

I am going to buy the chisel and punch tonight. If that fails, will buy the grinder this weekend.

Really appreciate the info!

[imaindianoutlaw]

have fun grinding


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[rustfree]

hope I'm not to late with this, but for what it's worth...spent a couple hours under my truck last night removing the stock upper shock brackets and if you find as little room under there as I did laying on your back trying to swing a hammer/chisel or run a grinder then I think you'll find the easiest method to removed the rivets is to center punch them and work your way up with drill bits until you can punch out the rivet shank. It worked for me anyway.

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