Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**leddzepp** · 07-12-2011, 12:28 AM

Lolife99 asked me how I did the vent window rubber replacement in my truck using pop rivets, instead of the original style (which are a pain, and near impossible to do unless you have the proper tool). I did not document the process when I did this a while back, but here are some pics to give you an idea of how it is done.

1st pic shows the rivet tool, and several different sizes of "pop" rivets.

2nd pic shows the tool with a rivet loaded up. The rivet is hollow and has a pin running through it that is inserted into the head of the tool.

3rd pic is a closeup, and you can see at the end of the rivet the pin has a small "ball" at the end of it. The rivet is then inserted through the vent rubber and the metal frame, and held with pressure.

4th pic shows a before and after of a pop rivet. After sqeezing the tool, the pin is pulled back through the rivet, compressing and swelling the end of it so that it is "set", and the pin is sheared off flush with the head.

5th pic shows it installed in my vent window.

**leddzepp** · 07-12-2011, 12:30 AM

Here is a pic with the vent window closed and the rivet is hardly seen.

*project 67 sub* · 07-12-2011, 12:49 AM

looks good to me

**lolife99** · 07-12-2011, 06:14 AM

Thanks for posting!

The backside of the pop rivet doesn't interfere with the gasket that goes in the long side window channel?
That's what I was worried about, since it's not flush like the original rivet.

**leddzepp** · 07-12-2011, 10:43 AM

I have not had a problem with it. The windows still roll up and down easily in the channel. On some of the rivets, I put them in coming from the other side. The head sits fairly flush, while the back has a little "nub" on it. Seems to work fine either way.
Posted via Mobile Device

ChevLoRay · 07-12-2011, 11:57 AM

Your riveter is like mine, which I got at my NAPA store about 30 years ago. I don't recall the brand name, but whatever you do, don't buy one of those El Cheapo Chinese riveters. I forgot mine one day, thought the 10 bucks would be okay, and it died on the 2nd rivet. Ante up the dinero and get a good one. Get some good rivets, too.

bamafrost · 02-19-2012, 12:30 AM

I think you can even find black anodized "shorter" rivets also. With mine I just used a small brush to hit the shiny surface with a bit of black paint and they "disappear".

vectorit · 02-19-2012, 01:01 AM

I did the same thing, though I didn't have very good luck. Since my rivets weakened, and the gremlins started multiplying quicker than I liked.

BTW... What's that logo on the T shirt you're wearing

07-12-2011, 12:28 AM	#1
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. Lolife99 asked me how I did the vent window rubber replacement in my truck using pop rivets, instead of the original style (which are a pain, and near impossible to do unless you have the proper tool). I did not document the process when I did this a while back, but here are some pics to give you an idea of how it is done. 1st pic shows the rivet tool, and several different sizes of "pop" rivets. 2nd pic shows the tool with a rivet loaded up. The rivet is hollow and has a pin running through it that is inserted into the head of the tool. 3rd pic is a closeup, and you can see at the end of the rivet the pin has a small "ball" at the end of it. The rivet is then inserted through the vent rubber and the metal frame, and held with pressure. 4th pic shows a before and after of a pop rivet. After sqeezing the tool, the pin is pulled back through the rivet, compressing and swelling the end of it so that it is "set", and the pin is sheared off flush with the head. 5th pic shows it installed in my vent window. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-12-2011, 12:30 AM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. Here is a pic with the vent window closed and the rivet is hardly seen. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-12-2011, 12:49 AM	#3
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. looks good to me

07-12-2011, 06:14 AM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. Thanks for posting! The backside of the pop rivet doesn't interfere with the gasket that goes in the long side window channel? That's what I was worried about, since it's not flush like the original rivet. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 07-12-2011 at 07:42 AM.

07-12-2011, 10:43 AM	#5
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. I have not had a problem with it. The windows still roll up and down easily in the channel. On some of the rivets, I put them in coming from the other side. The head sits fairly flush, while the back has a little "nub" on it. Seems to work fine either way. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

07-12-2011, 11:57 AM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. Your riveter is like mine, which I got at my NAPA store about 30 years ago. I don't recall the brand name, but whatever you do, don't buy one of those El Cheapo Chinese riveters. I forgot mine one day, thought the 10 bucks would be okay, and it died on the 2nd rivet. Ante up the dinero and get a good one. Get some good rivets, too. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-19-2012, 12:30 AM	#7
bamafrost Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Florence, Alabama Posts: 157	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. I think you can even find black anodized "shorter" rivets also. With mine I just used a small brush to hit the shiny surface with a bit of black paint and they "disappear". __________________ Bamafrost "Wars fought, uprisings quelled, Coup d'Etats planned...right after my nap". '68 Rambler American 2 door post Built 340/727/8.75 w 3.73 posi '68 C10 shortie soon to have a 2.5/4 drop and new Americans: 16" x 8" chrome IROC's

02-19-2012, 01:01 AM	#8
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Using pop rivets on vent window rubber. I did the same thing, though I didn't have very good luck. Since my rivets weakened, and the gremlins started multiplying quicker than I liked. BTW... What's that logo on the T shirt you're wearing __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

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