The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Priming & painting a 35-40 frame

rich b · 08-03-2018, 02:21 PM

I've found that if I grind a flat on the rivet head, center punch it, drill down with a 3/16" or so bit, then drill a 5/16" hole about the depth of the head, knock the head off with chisel, go back to the small drill and go to a depth of the first layer and half thru the last, open that hole with as large a bit as your centering allows, and then knock it out with a punch.

Many times the rivet is swelled or even bulged between layers, this way the walls are reduced and the punch draws the rivet out.

It also helps to clamp next to the rivet with vise grip so the inner isn't deformed when punching the rivet out.

I usually grind all the rivets, then center punch them all, etc; kinda like an assembly line.

Good drill bits and a little care make this actually a pretty easy process; whether you are taking off a spring hanger, cross-member, or a complete frame.

08-03-2018, 02:21 PM	#33
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,827	Re: Priming & painting a 35-40 frame I've found that if I grind a flat on the rivet head, center punch it, drill down with a 3/16" or so bit, then drill a 5/16" hole about the depth of the head, knock the head off with chisel, go back to the small drill and go to a depth of the first layer and half thru the last, open that hole with as large a bit as your centering allows, and then knock it out with a punch. Many times the rivet is swelled or even bulged between layers, this way the walls are reduced and the punch draws the rivet out. It also helps to clamp next to the rivet with vise grip so the inner isn't deformed when punching the rivet out. I usually grind all the rivets, then center punch them all, etc; kinda like an assembly line. Good drill bits and a little care make this actually a pretty easy process; whether you are taking off a spring hanger, cross-member, or a complete frame.