Rivets what size Rivets and gun?

[Logos24492]

Does it matter? I stopped by Princess Auto the other day to grab a rivet gun and realized there are different types and sizes. Does anyone know what size/style are used on defender panels?

[Logos24492]

Also, where is the best place to buy them?

[RamblerRob]

been pondering this as well.. of course I'm so far away from dealing with it that I hadn't bothered to ask, also what about those big round rivets that hold the corner capping in place.. or are those not rivets?

[island dormy]

Hi Guys

There are many styles of rivets and they can be made from different materials including steel and aluminum and since corrosion between different metals can be a problem on a rover it is important to think about what panels you are joining together.
The round head rivets need a special air tool to install, a hammer and block does not really work very well.
It is best to buy a really good quality rivet gun with a variety of head sizes, the cheap ones do not last very long and they take a beating especially if using large steel rivets.

Good luck. Victor

[red90]

Air rivet guns for the pop rivets are the nicest to use. They are compact and easier to use while holding the rivet fully seated.

The only thing I have to add is that for rivets that go from the outside to the inside, you should use "closed end" pop rivets to prevent leaks. You need to order those in or go to a specialty place.

On the material selection thing, watch the type of mandrel used as well

[Rambler]

Here is a good place to take a look at in terms of the various sizes and styles of rivets used on a Series Land Rover. 3/16" was used for most applications though of various lengths. I was told you could cut them rivets down to be correct for different applications. As had been said if riveting Al or birmabright it is safest to use Al rivets as the steel mandrels might cause corrosion. The ones I got in Princess Auto have steel centres but are described as Al, so I haven't used them.

Some locations used solid rivets. I got a kit from Bits4landys with the correct domed punch for setting them. Need 2 people to do this really. Aircraft spruce (in Canada) also have these and I sourced some rivets and tools from them. (Bucking bars, etc)

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/menus/to/r ... gbars.html
http://www.bits4landys.co.uk/rivets&tools.htm

[Bill E.]

http://www.wmpsomerville.ca/

Wm. P. Somerville. These guys are great to deal with. They carry closed end rivets...aluminum rivets...stainless rivets...and tons of other cool and hard to source stuff. BC owned and operated, they run the place old school and know their products. They sell in small batches or large. They are in Burnaby just a couple of blocks away from Pacific Fasteners, which is the best stainless fastener outfit in Vancouver hands down.

[Logos24492]

Awesome info guys! I'll check that Summerville place out tonight after work I'm in coquitlam so it's close by.

Good call on the princess auto rivets having steel centers rambler, I didn't even think of that I just bought a big bag too haha