Hi Ken -

Thanks for checking Stovebolt Tech Tips before asking your question. There is a ton of info in the Tips section.

The head of the rivet must sit firmly against a solid backing plate so that it doesn't recoil as the rivet setting tool mushrooms the end. I don't think that you could put a backing plate on the rubber side of the vent vertical divider that would keep the rivet from moving.

Clamp a 3/8" plate in a vice, then sit the fuzzy side of the divider over the plate. The rivets mushroom pretty easily when struck with a setting tool on the rubber side of the divider.

> A recent Stovebolt post about vent rivets

EDIT -
I just noticed that you were the 'Bolter who posted the question that prompted my answer in the link above. My second paragraph in the current thread answers your question.

Good luck with your vents. Don't overthink the process!

- Lonnie

- Lonnie
My '54 3104
Photos that I have shared on Stovebolt via PhotoBucket are no longer available. Please contact me if you want a photo from an old post.
lonniecook [at] aol [dot] com. I sold my '54 3104 12/12/2017, but I still visit Stovebolt.

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