Removing frame rivets

[1969k10stepside]

I have a little rust on my swb 4x4 frame.Its not rusted through but is enough to adress.It its rusty around my front spring hangers for the rear springs.I need to remove them to fix the rust problem.What is the best way to remove the rivets?I was thinking cutting torch(Indiana instinct ) What way do you suggest to remove them?

Dustin

[71swb4x4]

I didn't have access to a torch. So, I ground the head down, drilled a hole in the center of the rivet, and popped it out with a punch.
I have also used an air chisel, works as good as the first way, only faster! I drilled a hole in the middle first, deep enough to go through the depth of the frame. Then I used the air chisel to pop the head off and push the rivet out.

[jugernot]

I tried an air chizel, but found that drilling them out worked better.

[LockDoc]

-
If they are easy to get to I just chisel them off and punch them out. I use a chisel that is only sharpened on one side and a 3# hammer. I find that works pretty well. Oh yea, I also wear heavy leather gloves, hold the chisel with a pair of vise grips, and wear safety glasses.... I have also used a grinder, drill, & torch. Whatever gets the job done....

LockDoc

[C10-Driver]

I have used both the grinding method and drilling them out as I don't have a torch either. I found that, depending on how stubborn the rivet was, grinding the head off didn't always work. Sometimes the other side of the rivet gets stuck pretty good and no amount of beating can convince it to move. I would have to say I prefer grinding as it is much quicker just be careful not to grind into the frame. You will need to beat the rivets pretty hard to get them to come out but most of them should go. If you have a few tough ones that just won't move, you can always drill those out after the head is removed.

[msgross]

grind an "X" in the head and air chisel it off. Or go the Hoosier route and use heat, be careful not to heat the frame to much though...

[byrd]

I air chiseled all mine off that I needed to. It was fairly easy and olny took about 2 min each, keep sharpening the edge after ech one or every other one and it will work great. just my .02

[Palf70Step]

I most recently used a cutoff wheel and ground mine down, then center punched them out. I have also done the hammer and chisel routine. Either way, it requires a bit of beating to get the rivet out. I've never had a torch (it's still on the wish list) so I don't know how that would work.

[Livrat]

I routinely "wash" the rivet heads off with a cutting torch.. But.. you need to be very careful as you could end up with a mess.. then use an air hammer/chisle to push them out..

[qksilver]

The torch is the easiest but you need to be really carefull you don't damage the frame or the bracket. I use it when I don't care about the metal on one side of the rivet. Otherwise to do it clean, the drill or grinding disc works pretty good. Use a good bit, low speed and a oil squirter to keep it lubed

[65-72 chevytoys]

I don't have a torch or a chisel so I had to grind and punch mine. I guess mine were not as stubbor as I only had to drill one of them.

[piecesparts]

Grind an "X" in the head of the rivet and then the air chisel will shve the rivet head right off.

[Aarons72s]

Me personally, cut off wheel to get the head off, drill to drill the center out and weaken the rivit and a couple good wacks with a punch and hammer. Good luck dustin. Some will come out easy and some will be a pita!