Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Rivet Replacement




Rivet Replacement

Rivet Removal

WARNING: Always wear protective equipment including eye protection with side shields, and a dust mask when sanding or grinding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Do not drill outside the rivet into the frame as that will weaken the frame.







1. Drill a 3.20 mm (1/8 in) pilot hole through the center of the rivet.
2. Drill an 8.5 mm (11/32 in) hole through the pilot hole.







3. Remove the rivet head using an air chisel.







4. Drive out the rivet with a punch.







5. Remove the support.

Replacing Rivets with Bolts

NOTICE: Drill only where a rivet was removed. Drilling outside the rivet hole will weaken the frame.

1. Line drill a hole the size of the bolt through the old rivet hole. Example: for an 11.11 mm (7/16 in) diameter rivet, use a 12.7 mm (1/2 in) drill bit.
2. Position the support.
3. Replace the rivets that were removed with the next larger size bolts. Insert the bolts, nuts and washer that are Property Class 9.8 metric (Grade 8) in the drilled holes.

Drilling Precautions

1. Observe the following precautions when carrying out drilling operations.
- The hole is at least the specified distance from the edge of the nearest hole.
- The edge of the drilled hole is at least the specified distance from the edge of the flange.
- The hole is at least the specified distance above the frame centerline.
- The drilled hole is at least the specified distance from any other existing bracket or component of the frame.