need help on the rivet idea from the side sill fix.

[Qualitywires.com]

I tried doing that the illustrated upgrade instructions said to do on the fix for stripped side sill screws. I have 1 problem with this....after you install the rivet, how do you stop it from turning on you when you put the screw back in? Any idea's I just did one hole like this and the rivet will turn on you when you put the screw in. I'm not doing anymore more holes until I find a solution.

thanks.

 

[Frank 03SRT]

I did that too, and another problem with the rivet is it absolutely DIGS into the sidesill insulation when you put the sidesills back on. Then, JUST TRY to remove them. The rivets on mine put holes in the aluminum insulation and acted like anchors when I tried to remove the sidesills. I sawed off a portion of the rivets, and that seemed to help, but two of them swiveled in their holes. Sure hope they don't corrode tight. Never get them off again!

Maybe you aren't squeezing hard enough on the tool. That's why mine rotated. I re-squeezed and they held.

There must be a better way.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I think my problem is the aluminum rivets..they are too soft. Does home depot sell steel rivets?

 

[Jerry Scott[CO]]

As I mentioned in the write-up, get the cad. plated steel rivet nuts at Reid Tool, 800-253-0421 by phone order, or by phone from Alloy Fasteners in Denver, 303-761-5477. I know that these work, but can't vouch for the aluminum ones. The aluminum rivets nuts will galvanic corrode in contact with the steel, over a period of time. <u>Do not use them!</u>

I doubt that ** Depo will have these, since they are not an often used household item.

Jerry Scott

 

[Jerry Scott[CO]]

I wrote the article on this procedure. Several Viper owners here in Denver have done the fix with no problems. It sounds as though you are not squeezing the tool hard enough to fully clench the rivet. It takes both hands, with lots of grip power, and you cannot damage the tool. Get someone to help you if you don't have the grip required. Also make sure that you have drilled the correct hole size. If you drilled it too large, it may not work. For the 10-32 cad. plated steel rivet nut, the hole size should be 19/64 in. diameter. Also, if you made a ratty hole with a dull drill, it may not clench properly. If you are not experienced in this type of mechanical work, get some help from someone who has done it before. I hope that you are not using the aluminum rivet nuts that came in the Marson kit; they are too soft. If done correctly, with the cad. plated steel rivet nuts that I recommended, it works very well, and it's not that difficult.
I have had my sills off many times since the installation and have had no problems.

Call me if you need further help.


Jerry Scott
303-697-0662

 

[Tim]

Any suggestions on insulation upgrade or changes while the side sills are off?

Thanks

Tim