Vent window repair using pop rivets - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

conman585 · 09-04-2014, 04:31 PM

I've searched but have yet to find a definitive answer. I'm in the process of rebuilding my vent windows for my 71 (complete disassembly, paint, new rubber) and have noticed quite a few members that have successfully used pop rivets instead of the ones that come with most kits which require a special tool, a steady hand, and a ton of patience.

So for those that have used pop rivets, what size do I need? Any other advice about this process is more than welcome. Thanks.

bs46488 · 09-04-2014, 07:05 PM

Subscribed.

My drivers side vent window is busted and I need to figure out a repair option.

leftybass209 · 09-05-2014, 12:48 AM

Those that used a rivet gun seem to have either a special rivet gun with a very narrow head, or grind their gun until it fits. I used the hammer and rivets for the rubber section, then small Phillips screws and nuts for the rest, as they didn't interfere with anything and can't be seen.

BrianG · 09-05-2014, 10:03 AM

subscribed... I will be doing mine soon also, and would also like to know this answer.

leuggy · 09-05-2014, 11:43 AM

subscribed

71meangreenc10 · 09-05-2014, 05:51 PM

The easy way to use those blasted tubular rivets is to 1. Buy a very expensive tool or like I did, 2. Get a Arbor press from Harbor Freight, drill out the press and use the cheap tool that comes with the repair kit and have a lot of patience. Now I did use some pop rivets and to me, they just didn't seam to get a good seal. I can send you a pic of the press if you want.

Smitty

**GMCGrim** · 09-06-2014, 11:06 AM

I thought about using pop rivets because the ones that come with the rebuild kit are so difficult to use. I went to a local Tandy Leather store and bought some of their rivets and a rivet tool which is smaller in diameter than the kit supplied one.

Tandy's rivets were a lot longer so I trimmed them using my Dremel with a cut off wheel to a size that was a tad longer than the kit supplied ones. Now having said all that you still need four hands and a ton of patience. I had to walk away several times.

The job is very doable, just frustrating, and the new wing window rubber although nice can make the vent hard to close until the rubber softens.

09-04-2014, 04:31 PM	#1
conman585 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midlothian, TX Posts: 87	Vent window repair using pop rivets I've searched but have yet to find a definitive answer. I'm in the process of rebuilding my vent windows for my 71 (complete disassembly, paint, new rubber) and have noticed quite a few members that have successfully used pop rivets instead of the ones that come with most kits which require a special tool, a steady hand, and a ton of patience. So for those that have used pop rivets, what size do I need? Any other advice about this process is more than welcome. Thanks.

09-04-2014, 07:05 PM	#2
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets Subscribed. My drivers side vent window is busted and I need to figure out a repair option.

09-05-2014, 12:48 AM	#3
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,189	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets Those that used a rivet gun seem to have either a special rivet gun with a very narrow head, or grind their gun until it fits. I used the hammer and rivets for the rubber section, then small Phillips screws and nuts for the rest, as they didn't interfere with anything and can't be seen.

09-05-2014, 10:03 AM	#4
BrianG Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oakley, Michigan Posts: 735	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets subscribed... I will be doing mine soon also, and would also like to know this answer.

09-05-2014, 11:43 AM	#5
leuggy Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: moose jaw, sk Posts: 92	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets subscribed

09-05-2014, 05:51 PM	#6
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets The easy way to use those blasted tubular rivets is to 1. Buy a very expensive tool or like I did, 2. Get a Arbor press from Harbor Freight, drill out the press and use the cheap tool that comes with the repair kit and have a lot of patience. Now I did use some pop rivets and to me, they just didn't seam to get a good seal. I can send you a pic of the press if you want. Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

09-06-2014, 11:06 AM	#7
GMCGrim Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Spokane Wa Posts: 207	Re: Vent window repair using pop rivets I thought about using pop rivets because the ones that come with the rebuild kit are so difficult to use. I went to a local Tandy Leather store and bought some of their rivets and a rivet tool which is smaller in diameter than the kit supplied one. Tandy's rivets were a lot longer so I trimmed them using my Dremel with a cut off wheel to a size that was a tad longer than the kit supplied ones. Now having said all that you still need four hands and a ton of patience. I had to walk away several times. The job is very doable, just frustrating, and the new wing window rubber although nice can make the vent hard to close until the rubber softens.



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