The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Assembling the two hood panels 1954 3604

On my 1954 Chevrolet Truck, the two hood panels were bolted together using 8-32 machine screws / nuts. I see in the GM Factory Assembly manual it shows using GM 441308 Rivets. I couldn't find any information on the rivet but I'm guessing it was probably a steel rivet of some sort. Anyone know any details on the "rivet". Most likely it will go back together using new 8/32 machine screws, washers, lock washers and nuts, unless modern aluminum structural rivets would work? Any suggestions?

On my hood, the rivets are semi-tubular type. Those are still available, but take a special tool to set them. A suitable substitute (and probably more readily available) would be steel pop-rivets.

And if you like shiny, they make stainless rivets. Either rivet would hold up better than the aluminum rivet over time.

Is there enough room to fit a standard rivet tool in that space under the hood? I used the little nuts and bolts in stainless steel.

I believe it would work fine towards the back, but might be a little tight at the front. That's likely why the factory used semi-tubular rivets, along with a plier type (likely powered) rivet tool. Not sure they had pop-rivets back in the AD era. Actually just looked it up. Pop-rivets were patented in 1917.

Thanks for all of the input, it is appreciated . I placed my standard rivet gun , head flat against the inside of the panel and it looks like it would work. I can see myself denting the panel while wrestling with the rivet gun. I think I'll stick with the 8-32 machine screw, might give a little wiggle room ti get both halfs lined up . Thanks everyone.

I've got a 1937 1.5 ton flatbed I'm restoring. I need to replace the hinge between the two cowling pieces. The hinge is riveted to the cowling halves. Any advice on getting those old rivets out without damaging the cowling? Thanks.