Heater box question.

[In The Ten Ring]

I will try and get a pic but my computer isn't downloading anything from my camera.

The heater box has the flap inside and that is held in place by a rivet. If one drills out the rivet to allow the flap to come out for derusting, can it be replaced with a bolt and nut and done easily?

Anyone else drill out the rivet that holds the flap inside the heater box?

*Do I even need to worry about derusting and painting the flap inside the heater box?

[mdeal]

I just recently pulled mine off. It was trashed. I got one from a friend that went to Vintage Air and his was in really good shape. The panels inside had some surface rust on them. I cleaned the whole thing still assembled(without gaskets) in purple power and water solution. It ate away most of the years of dirt and grime. Then, I just sprayed some rattle can epoxy paint on the blend door panels. Then I painted the entire thing and added new gaskets that I bought from the truck shop and just finished installing it back on the truck last weekend. I don't think the surface rust of the inside flaps will cause any problems, but the panels that are riveted could rust through. wire brush them the best you can and use some good rust converter paint(POR15) and you shouldn't have any problems with them rusting any further...even if you didn't even see the other side of the panel due to not drilling the rivets. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm not going to on my truck...just gonna enjoy some heat this winter!