what tool do I need to install hood corners

[kimeccles]

Tubular rivets. I see very expensive stuff and some cheaper vice grip mods.

I want to install the correct tubular rivets for the round hood bumpers and the leather corners on the back. Is there a good clamp or plier thing for these specific ones? I already got the tool for the split rivets for the shroud, but these are the tube type and too hard or damaging to just hammer them.

thanks,
Kim

[wrndln]

What I have done to install the rivets in the hood corners, which is a 2 person job, is make a buck from a bolt or rod first. Make the end concave to match the semi-tubular rivet head. Doing this allows the "buck" to be put in a vice to support the rivet inserted in the hood through the leather. Then you need a semi-tubular rivet "set", which can be purchased at most suppliers. Have a helper hold the hood horizontal with the rivet head positioned on the "buck" in the vice and then with a hammer carefully tap the rivet "set" on the raw end of the rivet. I install the leather rivets before assembling the hood sections. Taping or lightly hammering the rivet "set" will roll over the edges of the rivet. Make sure the rivet "set" is the correct size for the rivet (there are different sizes) or the roll over wont come out right.
Rusty Nelson

[kimeccles]

Rusty,

While I agree you have a perfect method and, wow even down to the rivet roll size. No doubt that you are correct to do it off the car, but I have jumped through hoops to get it on, and I don't think I can imagine taking it off again at least not right away.

There has to be some plier thing that I can buy from someone with the right 9/16 inch head rivet that smashes it in like a vise or clamp?

thanks,
kim

[TinCup]

I purchased one of these years ago to do mine. It is make to fix Tonka toys but works well for tight places.

[Floats]

Kim,
Visit your local AMO( Aircraft Maintanance Organisation) at your local airfield. He will have a rivit squeezer with an assortment of dies and can do the job in sito, in minutes.

[Brian SATX]

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I already got the tool for the split rivets for the shroud,----

What are you using for that? I am in the process of getting ready to have to do that.

[Kevin in NJ]

I used the kick riveter that have for doing brake shoes. It is a 2 person job.

[kimeccles]

This is the split rivet tool I used. It is a bit tricky but eventually I learned how to get them to look right with the ends curved down in the back.

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/co...ing-rivet-tool

The clamp thing like Tin Cup described is what I am looking for the tubular rivets or I may have to make something out of a c-clamp. Or I may do a split rivet temporarily until getting to an airplane place or something.

[Bob C]

I got one of these. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ningrivset.php

Bob

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

If 2 piddledy rivets are this "much trouble", how can anyone ever build an AIRPLANE?????????
Bill Puzzled?

[kimeccles]

I think Bill has been discombobulated by my discussion. Yes, if your rivets are on, they are not as much a puzzling problem, as when they are off...

Kim Whim

[larrys40]

Kim,
I just did this two nights ago one a coupe I’m working in for someone. Unfortunately the hood was on so I had to do it the hardway as the hood side panels wouldn’t come off easy.

I use a brake rivit tool in the bench vise and yes, it is a two person job, one holds the hood while he other puts the rivit and corners in tact.

Doing it with the sides on is much more difficult but it can be done. You just have to hold it all together and try to mushroom the rivet with some tactful light raps .

The brake rivet tool the suppliers sell will get the job done.
Larry Shepard

[1931 flamingo]

I cheated and used small machine screws, painted the head black. You can't tell they're not rivits. FWIW
Paul in CT