Visor Bracket Rivets

Today I tried installing new rubber visor brackets. Removing was easy, just drilled out the rivets. When trying to install new ones I ran into a problem when I realized my rivet gun tip didn't fit in the rubber bracket, no matter how hard I pushed in. I've thought of a few alternatives: using sheetmetal screws or installing "Riv-Nuts" into the windshield frame. Just thought I'd run this on you folks before I make that decision.

By the way, last week I had the local glass shop replace the windscreen and what a difference! He used an after-market glass which he provided. I had the seals I got from NW Autoparts. Total cost: $329 (tax incl). I think I can live without the "XXX" on the glass.

Good job on the glass if it doesn't leak.

I used the smallest sheet metal screws I could find. Worked out fine.

Hey Ken,

don't use screws that's not a good idea. That leaves you with two good alternatives, get the rivets that fit the hole, this would be my first choice, and the second would be a two-part epoxy glue, something nice and thick - it needs to stick to both the plastci/runner piece and the metal.

I did this about 20 years ago, and they're still on the frame, I think mine originally didn't have the visors and that's why I used the glue, but, it'll work for you too, they have soooo many more epoxies now than they did 20 years ago when I did mine.

Good luck!

Ken,

What I use when the head of the rivet gun can not go up against the item being attached is a PCB stand off. It is a threaded hollow tube to allow screws from both sides. I slide it over the rivet prior to putting the rivet in the gun. Obviously once the rivet is installed it will just slide off the remaining shaft of the rivet and can be used again and again if not dropped in to the unknown.

The reason I like the stand offs is that the walls are thick enough to not collapse with the pressure of the gun. Obviously any metal tube that will withstand the pressure without collapsing would work though. I have even used a stack of small steel washers if no stand offs are near me.

Cheers,

Rob

clever trick! even a piece of appriopriately sized tubing would work. Have to remember that!

Screws are chancy, they can press against and break the glass if its edge happens t be far up enogh.

Have you considered deleting the visors entirely? Sun glasses do the trick every time, top up or top down.

If you do the delete just fill the rivet holes with grey epoxy and sand smooth.

Jack

Hey, thanks to all for the suggestions. I'll probably go with the epoxy method.

Happy motoring to all.....

Kenneth,

put some very small nuts on to the shaft of the short rivets before you put them into the gun.
This will help to get them in place and finish your work without damage to the windshield or to the rubber brackets.

Done this several times on the B but also on aluminium yacht rigging's where it is even more tricky some times to set the rivet where it is needed.

Ralph

I remember that Naomi had sucess glueing them on, with I think the glue you would use to re attach a rear view mirror to a modern car?

By the way haven't heard from her in a while now?

I made the rivet job REAL EASY I screw off the end off a spark plus! that the ing. wire goes on. It slips right over the pop river shaft/away from the rubber visor clip.