VIN tag rivets

[Old Crow]

OK, so the '54 truck is almost done. I've got the new VIN tag, got it stamped with the serial number, got the new, correct rivets from Classic Parts.
Now, all I need to figure out is how to crimp the rivets. Did a search of the forum. Lots of discussion on the tag itself, but not much on the rivets beyond where to get them. Anyone got an easy way to crimp these?

[Valarius_Starchaser]

Not much more complicated than this slide the rivet into the hole slide the tool head over the "shaft" of the rivet and close the handle until the shaft pulls off or it doesnt move and trim with some side cutters

http://www.walmart.com/ip/20753575?w...591832&veh=sem

[Old Crow]

I've got the original style rivets, not pop rivets:

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-59-.../#.Vlx48XkQXIU

[1project2many]

You need a rivet punch / die set. You might be able to use tools designed for soft copper rivets in leather. Google leather rivet punch and you should find plenty of examples.

[Valarius_Starchaser]

Doh sorry! My mouth was moving faster than my brain on that one...

Heres some literature on it I like the idea in option 2

http://web.archive.org/web/200102140...ivinstall.html

[dwcsr]

Put it in the hole and use a punch to flatten the inner dome. That spreads the rivet out at the bottom. Make sure your tight against the plate and door frame.

[Old Crow]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Put it in the hole and use a punch to flatten the inner dome. That spreads the rivet out at the bottom. Make sure your tight against the plate and door frame.

I kinda thought they worked that way just looking at them, but at $8 for a pair, I thought I'd ask before I had to buy more. I just bought a brand new set of roll pin punches, I bet one of them will fit real nice. Thanks.

[918733]

Yep a punch works real good

[_Ogre]

the link you posted is the id tag rivet
vin tags are spot welded on (task force)
my 58 vin tag came off when sanding the jam
i used 3/32'' pop rivet to put it back on

id tag pic with those rivets



vin tag spot welds

[dwcsr]

Your top pic is the serial number tag (vin) on 54 they we not welded on. Either rivets or screws, the lower pic is 55.2 and up

[curmudgeon]

Mr. DWCSR is correct, on my '54 I bought the exact same style rivets and used a center punch to flatten them. I did take the extra step of gluing my original scratched, faded VIN plate to my freshly painted door jamb to ensure that it doesn't fall off, I wanted the Classic Parts rivets to have it look authentic, but not necessarily have to hold the plate on very well.

[Old Crow]

It's a '54(I believe I mentioned that in the OP) and the tag looked just like the top pic. The pin punch worked perfect and we're good to go. Now all I gotta do is get the dual carbs synced up and the gentleman can take his truck home.

[Boom]

What did you use for stamping the vin?
I need to do this but all of the vins I have seen the letters are different sizes than the numbers. I have a 48.

[dwcsr]

Harbor freight has a stamp set that has all the numbers and letters the same size. 1/4" for $15

[Boom]

I have that set. I didn't know if there was some special set that is needed. I assume 1/4 inch is the factory original size.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Boom

I have that set. I didn't know if there was some special set that is needed. I assume 1/4 inch is the factory original size.

Its close. I've done a few and it looks legit

[Old Crow]

Yeah, the Harbor Freight set is what I used. Looks good to me.

[butchp]

Find an airplane mech. he will have rivet tools.