Converting frame over to bolts instead of rivets - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

quick60 · 01-01-2013, 01:33 AM

I saw on LMC trucks a kit of grade 8 bolts, nuts, and washers to eliminate the rivets in the frame. Is this a prefered common practice because rivets are inadequate or just incase you need to relocate stuff?

**LEEVON** · 01-01-2013, 01:37 AM

Some rivets may be removed here and there for mods and replaced with Grade 8 bolts but you should not remove them whenever possible. They are much stronger in stock form than bolts. It's not common practice.

**TBONE1964** · 01-01-2013, 01:37 AM

The real reason is because you cannot replicate the original rivets without a rivet machine like they used in the factory. Using 7/16 grade 8 bolts will be more than sufficient enough for what ever you need to bolt on.
Posted via Mobile Device

midniteblues · 01-01-2013, 12:34 PM

I would take a good look at your frame and look for the rust between the peices its pretty easy to tell where and what should be removed for cleaning up.those rivits are in there very tight and its hard for rust too form between most of the peices. so be selective on witch rivits and only remove what is nessacery.

I have found that the hole left by removeing rivits can be tapped with a 7/16 tap threading the holes helps too keep everything tight.

01-01-2013, 01:33 AM	#1
quick60 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Virginia Posts: 233	Converting frame over to bolts instead of rivets I saw on LMC trucks a kit of grade 8 bolts, nuts, and washers to eliminate the rivets in the frame. Is this a prefered common practice because rivets are inadequate or just incase you need to relocate stuff?

01-01-2013, 01:37 AM	#2
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,893	Re: Converting frame over to bolts instead of rivets Some rivets may be removed here and there for mods and replaced with Grade 8 bolts but you should not remove them whenever possible. They are much stronger in stock form than bolts. It's not common practice. __________________ '86 GMC C30 Crew ~ '86 C20 Crew ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '74K10 ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-01-2013, 01:37 AM	#3
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: Converting frame over to bolts instead of rivets The real reason is because you cannot replicate the original rivets without a rivet machine like they used in the factory. Using 7/16 grade 8 bolts will be more than sufficient enough for what ever you need to bolt on. Posted via Mobile Device

01-01-2013, 12:34 PM	#4
midniteblues Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: strausstown pa Posts: 3,394	Re: Converting frame over to bolts instead of rivets I would take a good look at your frame and look for the rust between the peices its pretty easy to tell where and what should be removed for cleaning up.those rivits are in there very tight and its hard for rust too form between most of the peices. so be selective on witch rivits and only remove what is nessacery. I have found that the hole left by removeing rivits can be tapped with a 7/16 tap threading the holes helps too keep everything tight. __________________ 81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love. 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover.



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