The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest what kind of tool

I've been nearly 18 months on and off disassembling my 50 half ton chevy (I've become a master at shearing rusted bolts!) My question today is what kind of tool do I need to disassemble (and reassemble) my grill?

The grille is riveted, so you will need to drill out the rivets and replace them. It's best to not take the grille apart if you can avoid it. The grille is bolted to the fenders.

I have already removed the grill from the body. The issue is that I have to replace 2 of the bars as they are dented and rusted beyond repair. The only rivets I've ever removed and replaced involved a chisel and a big hammer. Obviously this doesn't work on the grill. So after I drill the old rivets out...how do I get it back together when I get my repacement bars? I assume there is some sort of rivet tool available?

All home centers like Lowe's, The Home Depot and Menards, as well as the local auto parts stores carry pop rivet tools and pop rivets. I an automotive project, I would use stainless steel or aluminum rivets due to their rust resistance. You can also use the old method by utilizing an air hammer with a rivet set head on it and a bucking bar. They call this bucking rivets. It is commonly used in marine and aviation applications. Make sure both parts are tight and the holes are the same size and correct for the rivet being used. This will ensure a tight, long-lasting connection, especially on a grill that will be subjected to constant vibration.

Great. That was the answer I was looking for. Much appreciated Tony.