removing rivets - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thxbug · 02-10-2009, 10:24 PM

I have my 70k5 almost down to the bare frame what is the best way to tackle the rivets to remove them.

71swb4x4 · 02-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Lots of ways. Here's a couple I have used:

Center punch rivet, then drill out middle, them air hammer head off. You can replace air hammer with hammer and chisel.

Some people center punch, and then drill out center, and then increase drill bit size, until head falls off.

Some people grind the head down until you see that's it's down to frame, or close to frame. Then center punch the remaining part of the rivet through the frame.

Some people use a torch. I don't have one, so I haven't tried that.

For me the first one is fastest. Where eye and ear protection!

**N2TRUX** · 02-10-2009, 10:29 PM

What tools do you have available? A cut off wheel cutting an X pattern on the head, followed by an air chisel seems to be the favorite method.

thxbug · 02-11-2009, 01:01 AM

thanks i will probably try all of the above there are alot of rivets on these frames

meansting04 · 02-11-2009, 01:37 AM

I use the x on the head and the chisel. I don't have air so i beat off the heads. It takes me a while but it does work. I have replaced several of mine with grade 8 bolts and them weld the seams.

Twisted78SS · 02-11-2009, 01:39 AM

We just finished removing them from my 70 Blazer yesterday.

First Livrat was wielding his torch to take off the majority of the rivet heads without scoring the frame, then it was a combination of a grinder and a punch/hammer combo to remove the rest. After they were out we touched up the frame anyplace that needed it. From the time rolled the chassis and started, it took us about 2 1/2 hours to finish. I have pictures going on my build thread, if you want to see the frame Project50th http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327847

hotrodrookie · 02-11-2009, 02:00 PM

When me and dad were removing ours we took the first one off with a torch and a hammer. it took a little while and was a pain. The next one we tried the harbor frieght air chizel, it took about 3 minutes. The third one we decided to use the snap on air chizel, <30 secs.

02-10-2009, 10:24 PM	#1
thxbug Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 50	removing rivets I have my 70k5 almost down to the bare frame what is the best way to tackle the rivets to remove them.

02-10-2009, 10:29 PM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: removing rivets Lots of ways. Here's a couple I have used: Center punch rivet, then drill out middle, them air hammer head off. You can replace air hammer with hammer and chisel. Some people center punch, and then drill out center, and then increase drill bit size, until head falls off. Some people grind the head down until you see that's it's down to frame, or close to frame. Then center punch the remaining part of the rivet through the frame. Some people use a torch. I don't have one, so I haven't tried that. For me the first one is fastest. Where eye and ear protection! __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. Last edited by 71swb4x4; 02-10-2009 at 10:29 PM.

02-10-2009, 10:29 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: removing rivets What tools do you have available? A cut off wheel cutting an X pattern on the head, followed by an air chisel seems to be the favorite method. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-11-2009, 01:01 AM	#4
thxbug Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California Posts: 50	Re: removing rivets thanks i will probably try all of the above there are alot of rivets on these frames

02-11-2009, 01:37 AM	#5
meansting04 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: travis afb Posts: 304	Re: removing rivets I use the x on the head and the chisel. I don't have air so i beat off the heads. It takes me a while but it does work. I have replaced several of mine with grade 8 bolts and them weld the seams. __________________ 67 gmc 1/2 ton, 5.0 v6, 4 speed SOLD!! 70 Chevy C-10, 355, th400, 3.73's 2/4 drop

02-11-2009, 01:39 AM	#6
Twisted78SS Wide n'Low Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: La Center, WA Posts: 1,511	Re: removing rivets We just finished removing them from my 70 Blazer yesterday. First Livrat was wielding his torch to take off the majority of the rivet heads without scoring the frame, then it was a combination of a grinder and a punch/hammer combo to remove the rest. After they were out we touched up the frame anyplace that needed it. From the time rolled the chassis and started, it took us about 2 1/2 hours to finish. I have pictures going on my build thread, if you want to see the frame Project50th http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327847 __________________ Trippin Hazard.. 67 swb, Gold Member.. 68 Suburban Air Force Retired

02-11-2009, 02:00 PM	#7
hotrodrookie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 425	Re: removing rivets When me and dad were removing ours we took the first one off with a torch and a hammer. it took a little while and was a pain. The next one we tried the harbor frieght air chizel, it took about 3 minutes. The third one we decided to use the snap on air chizel, <30 secs.



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