How to replace rivets on Viscount caravan?

[CrikeyCoral]

Hiya. I need to replace some rivets in my 1977 Viscount caravan.

Are these pop rivets? 

Which is the best riveter tool to get? 

I have a Makita hammer driver drill 18V and was looking at the Makita rivet tools but rather exxy…any other power riveters I should consider?

What rivets should I be buying? Blind reverts for the exterior to minimise leaks?

Thanks for your help.

🧰

[twocutekelpies]

Hi @CrikeyCoral 

A drill bit is your best friend for getting rivets out. Most rivets can be drilled out with a 3.2 or 1/8 drill bit. If you find those sizes not working, it's probably a bigger rivet eg 4mm or 4.8mm.

The best rivets to use to replace the outside ones are closed/sealed rivets of a similar size to what came out or the next size up if they were loose. Check the grip range on the packet for what length you need. I find I use this size rivet the most https://www.bunnings.com.au/otter-3-2-x-4-8mm-sealed-aluminium-blind-rivets-100-pack_p0012111

I have a 1973 Viscount which had cup washers under each rivet outside, I managed to salvage most of them but had to replace some. Bunnings sells them but they don't sit as flat as the original ones -

To put rivets in, you can either use a hand riveter or there is an attachment available in a few brands that will fit your Makita drill (or any brand drill). eg Kango Rivet gun adapter.  I use an air riveter as I love my air tools 

Cheers and have a riveting good time 😊

Shelley

[JacobZ]

Hi @CrikeyCoral,

It's great to see you've already received some fantastic advice from @twocutekelpies.

Yes, these are pop rivets.

I would agree that sealed rivets are what you are looking for, as they will create a watertight seal. For the rivets in the first three photos, I would try these Otter 3.2 x 6.4mm Sealed Aluminium Blind Rivets, which have a 6.4mm grip, which looks about the same as what you have. For the fourth photo, try these Otter 4.8 x 9.6mm Sealed Aluminium Blind Rivets, which have a 9.6mm grip.

If you had a whole lot of riveting to do or you didn't have the grip strength for a hand rivetter, the Kango option Shelley mentioned above would be good. There is also this Kincrome EZI-RIV™ Riveter Drill Attachment, which is worth a look. Maybe try out a cheap rivet gun like this Craftright Rivet Gun and see how you go. If it is not working for you, consider the powered version.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[CrikeyCoral]

Hi Jacob. Thanks for your response. I was looking into the drill attachments however I read that they aren’t compatible with impact or hammer drills… my drill, as I mentioned is a 18V Hammer Drill Driver (Makita), and I’m not keen on trying in fear of ruining my drill and voiding the warranty. Maybe, hopefully, I’ve misunderstood what I’ve read, as the attachments sound perfect, as I don’t think I’ll get far with a hand riveter! Could you please confirm the types of drill drivers the attachments are compatible with?

Cheers, CC

[JacobZ]

Hi @CrikeyCoral,

You can use a riveting attachment with your drill; you just can't run it on the hammer function while riveting. You need to use the drill function.

The hammer function adds a percussive action to the drill, which could cause issues. The drill simply rotates the chuck, which won't cause any issues.

If your drill doesn't look like this, can you let me know which specific model of Makita drill you have, or upload an image of it so I can point you to the right setting?

Jacob

[CrikeyCoral]

That’s looks spot on to mine! Thanks Jacob, that all makes sense, I was being a little overly cautious!

Cheers,

Cc

[CrikeyCoral]

Oooh, thanks for the hot tips @twocutekelpies 

I too love a power tool, I don’t have an air compressor so I’ll try one of the drill attachments. And keep an eye out for not so ridiculously priced riveter power tool, although the Makita rivet tool does look oh so handy!!….

[CrikeyCoral]

So, just to be sure, before I get all drill happy,  to remove this rather mucky, but still functional window lock twisty bit that is riveted to the frame…I drill it out?… @twocutekelpies @JacobZ 

[twocutekelpies]

Hi @CrikeyCoral 

I think you're on the right track but I don't have any experience with that type of lock, my Viscount has the previous model ones. The lock you have was specifically made by Viscount and is no longer available so be careful not to lose or break them, they are different to the after market ones that are available now. 

[CrikeyCoral]

Aha!…oh no pressure now then! Lol

I just bought 8 twisty windows locks, in a mad ‘dash’ (5hr round trip) into town…they aren’t right at all!… back to town I trek!…

@twocutekelpies I really appreciate you taking the time, and being so speedy, to respond to my posts and queries. Do you have a project of your van reno on the Bunnings community? If so, love to check it out.