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Old 01-18-2020, 09:00 AM   #1
History
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Default Radiator Shell welting rivets

I just changed the cloth like material that runs around the outside of the radiator shell. I ruined several of the rivets that held that on removing them and luckily the new lacing/welting came with new rivets. It was a pretty aggravating job as the shell is hard to hold while you're removing and installing the rivets. I wanted to let you guys know how I did this. I'm sure some of you have a better way than I did but just incase.

There are better ways to hold the shell than I how I did it so I'll leave that to you to decide but for installing the rivets,,,,, I used a pair of fencing pliers to squash the rivets. I installed a rivet at the end of a side and then pulled it tightly and used the old welting and a pair of vise grips to hold it. I'd drill a hole in the welting using the hole in radiator shell as a guide and install a rivet. Take the fencing pliers and while one side pushed the rivet in the other spread the back side open. I then took a small sledge hammer placed against that and a smaller hammer to set the ears. I would then drill another hole and repeat, Worked like a charm.

A punch or chisel would also work to spread the ears but you'd have to have three hands or the shell secured somehow. Probably a simple task for most of you but it worked well for me.
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Old 04-07-2020, 04:24 PM   #2
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Do you have a picture of your finished project?
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Old 04-07-2020, 05:05 PM   #3
Brentwood Bob
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

I remember seeing a modified pliers, or vice grips made up for this to get a factory like crimp.
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Old 04-07-2020, 05:25 PM   #4
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Dodge central of Michigan, TL-1011 split rivet crimp tool.
Or MGAguru.com split rivet crimping tool for a picture of a modified pair of vice grips.
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Old 04-07-2020, 11:36 PM   #5
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tothetrains View Post
Do you have a picture of your finished project?
I'll take a photo in a day or so.
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Old 04-08-2020, 06:37 AM   #6
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

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https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ht=cowl+lacing

Rusty nelson has the perfect solution for installing cowl/radiator shell lacing rivets. Scroll down to his reply on this thread. It's in the Snyders catalog under Model T parts. Makes that nice little curl as Ford did them at the factory.
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Old 04-08-2020, 07:26 AM   #7
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

I modified an old pair of vise grips many years ago; not as nifty as a factory made tool; but totally functional.
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File Type: jpg rivet tool 2.jpg (74.1 KB, 103 views)
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Old 04-08-2020, 12:05 PM   #8
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Rich, looks doable.
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Old 04-08-2020, 10:34 PM   #9
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

DIY Homemade
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Old 04-09-2020, 01:15 AM   #10
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Keith, VG!
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Old 04-10-2020, 12:05 AM   #11
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Default Re: Radiator Shell welting rivets

Fencing pliers work great. I'll try and get the photos tomorrow.
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