The Ford Barn

Fullfendered · 12-22-2017, 12:56 PM

I would like to take this heater apart, clean up the rust and paint. If I drill the rivets out what would I need to replace them? Is there a process, special tool, use substitute method to put it back together? Thank you for you assistance.

Marvin/TN · 12-22-2017, 01:04 PM

One option would be to use POP Rivets. They come in various sizes,lengths, and material. I realize they are not period correct but are a means to the end. But after looking at the PICs it appears that you would be able to get to them from the back side so they could be hand set. Or maybe you could find a river squeezer to borrow or maybe ever go to a brake shop and get them to set the rivets for you.

frank long island · 12-22-2017, 01:09 PM

check with restoration specialties to see if a replacement rivet is available don't know if chrome is an option if not maybe a headless screw/nut I used something like this when I was building my 28 roadster cab they will send you in the right direction

FortyNiner · 12-22-2017, 01:34 PM

If the rust is only on the inside, I wouldn't disassemble the unit. Rather, use a rust converter and your choice of top coat. Trying to reassemble a piece like that is tough, especially if you're persnickety like me.

38bill · 12-22-2017, 02:09 PM

Maybe use SS carriage bolts to assemble. Polish the heads and they will look like chrome.

19Fordy · 12-22-2017, 03:00 PM

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You could carefully grind away the perimeter of the flange of the "set" rivet on the backside so the rivet can be pushed out. For reassembly use JB WELD on the back of the rivet where you did the grinding. When grinding the backside of the rivet the idea is to grind it in such a way that the rivet DOES NOT become shorter. If you don't use the washer on the backside you may just be able to use a die to cut just enough threads on the rivet dia. so that you can "catch" the threads with a small nut.

petehoovie · 12-22-2017, 03:48 PM

It doesn't look bad enough to go to the extreme of disassembly. You should be able to clean it up satisfactorily and paint while keeping it intact. Why chance destroying it....

alanwoodieman · 12-22-2017, 05:38 PM

dump it in a vat of citric acid, will take the rust off and not harm the SS

woodiewagon46 · 12-22-2017, 08:25 PM

As Frank suggests, I would use the domed head screws that you get in headlight repair kits. Once tightened they look like rivets. Bratton's Model A, 800-255-1929, has them, PN18280 for $3.95 for a set of 12.

Henry Hopper · 12-23-2017, 04:27 AM

I just restored my heater.I used white vinegar to get the rust off ....it was similar kind of rust as it appears in your pictures......

If you do go ahead and drill the rivets out, I agree that small stainless steel coach bolts,polished up,would be your best bet.

Nice looking heater btw.

34 GAZ · 12-23-2017, 07:24 AM

I,ve done about 20 art-deco style heaters . What you have there is minimal ageing. Don,t take the heater all the way apart for that little bit of blemish on the inside. The vinegar bath is a good idea. Brush it clean the next day.

Fullfendered · 12-23-2017, 08:42 PM

Thank you to all for you're suggestions, greatly appreciated.

12-22-2017, 12:56 PM	#1
Fullfendered Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Western New York Posts: 103	Heater Restoration I would like to take this heater apart, clean up the rust and paint. If I drill the rivets out what would I need to replace them? Is there a process, special tool, use substitute method to put it back together? Thank you for you assistance. Last edited by Fullfendered; 06-11-2018 at 11:16 AM.

12-22-2017, 01:04 PM	#2
Marvin/TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chattanooga, TN area Posts: 832	Re: Heater Restoration One option would be to use POP Rivets. They come in various sizes,lengths, and material. I realize they are not period correct but are a means to the end. But after looking at the PICs it appears that you would be able to get to them from the back side so they could be hand set. Or maybe you could find a river squeezer to borrow or maybe ever go to a brake shop and get them to set the rivets for you.

12-22-2017, 01:09 PM	#3
frank long island Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: westbury ny Posts: 854	Re: Heater Restoration check with restoration specialties to see if a replacement rivet is available don't know if chrome is an option if not maybe a headless screw/nut I used something like this when I was building my 28 roadster cab they will send you in the right direction

12-22-2017, 01:34 PM	#4
FortyNiner Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: u-rah-rah-Wisconsin Posts: 1,136	Re: Heater Restoration If the rust is only on the inside, I wouldn't disassemble the unit. Rather, use a rust converter and your choice of top coat. Trying to reassemble a piece like that is tough, especially if you're persnickety like me. __________________ 19 and 49 F1 - jes' like Henry II built 1946 Deluxe - as Henry built it Last edited by FortyNiner; 12-23-2017 at 09:44 AM.

12-22-2017, 02:09 PM	#5
38bill Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,165	Re: Heater Restoration Maybe use SS carriage bolts to assemble. Polish the heads and they will look like chrome.

12-22-2017, 03:00 PM	#6
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,921	Re: Heater Restoration Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You could carefully grind away the perimeter of the flange of the "set" rivet on the backside so the rivet can be pushed out. For reassembly use JB WELD on the back of the rivet where you did the grinding. When grinding the backside of the rivet the idea is to grind it in such a way that the rivet DOES NOT become shorter. If you don't use the washer on the backside you may just be able to use a die to cut just enough threads on the rivet dia. so that you can "catch" the threads with a small nut.

12-22-2017, 03:48 PM	#7
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,076	Re: Heater Restoration It doesn't look bad enough to go to the extreme of disassembly. You should be able to clean it up satisfactorily and paint while keeping it intact. Why chance destroying it.... __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0

12-22-2017, 05:38 PM	#8
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,963	Re: Heater Restoration dump it in a vat of citric acid, will take the rust off and not harm the SS

12-22-2017, 08:25 PM	#9
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,554	Re: Heater Restoration As Frank suggests, I would use the domed head screws that you get in headlight repair kits. Once tightened they look like rivets. Bratton's Model A, 800-255-1929, has them, PN18280 for $3.95 for a set of 12.

12-23-2017, 04:27 AM	#10
Henry Hopper Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W.England Posts: 439	Re: Heater Restoration I just restored my heater.I used white vinegar to get the rust off ....it was similar kind of rust as it appears in your pictures...... If you do go ahead and drill the rivets out, I agree that small stainless steel coach bolts,polished up,would be your best bet. Nice looking heater btw.

12-23-2017, 07:24 AM	#11
34 GAZ Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NETHERLANDS Posts: 67	Re: Heater Restoration I,ve done about 20 art-deco style heaters . What you have there is minimal ageing. Don,t take the heater all the way apart for that little bit of blemish on the inside. The vinegar bath is a good idea. Brush it clean the next day.

12-23-2017, 08:42 PM	#12
Fullfendered Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Western New York Posts: 103	Re: Heater Restoration Thank you to all for you're suggestions, greatly appreciated.