The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Old Dominion Stovebolt Society (MD, VA, West VA, DC, DE and PA) obviously need help

Anyone that is not busy on friday or monday? I have a couple of issues that i need assistance with.
1. Stripped the pin that holds the rear leaf spring in place.
2. Tried to follow a buddies instructions on grinding a factory rivet out without luck. ( I was told that i can take the bracket off by grinding the rivets and then bolting it back on.) I have not touched the other 5 rivets that hold it.

At this point, i am not sure what to do since i don't have a welder in order to weld a nut on the end of the bolt. I am feeling pretty stupid but i don't know what else to do.

Chris

Chris,

Unfortunately, I can not make it down there. One of the great minds will have to help you with the Spring hanger. My method for removing rivets is the Grigg Method -- big cold chisel and a 20-lb hammer. I feel like John Henry 20 swings or less each rivet. The action of the chisel going through the head tends to elongate them enough so that on the last swing, the head flies one way and the rivet falls out the other. Works like a champ. And builds your lower arm muscle.

Don't feel stupid -- we all have been there ... and some of us will be there again

Regards,
John

John,

So what you are saying here is that it should be no issue if i knock/cut ot whatever i have to do in order to get the rivets out? Did you just replace them with grade 8 bolts then?

Chris

Chris

Where do you live in NOVA?

Chris -- Depends on what you're refastening to the frame -- if it's just the running board brackets, any bolt will do. If it's a cross member or a spring perch, then yes, Grade 8 or better will do the trick. They must be the same size as the hole, though -- very important!

John

Sweet,

Live in Lakeridge

Chris

John,

I modified your idea and got it off after about 2 hours! I ground the heads of the rivets down with my angle grinder, then i took the chisel once i got close to the actual bracket since i only had a small sledge and not the John Henry hammer that would have been easier. Needless to say, i drilled out the center of the rivets as much as i could and then heated the bracket/frame with a torch. The rivets came out pretty easy with a punch at that point.

Good thing that i have semi strong forearms since i was whacking (technical term) about 60-70 on a couple of the rivets i couldn't get my grinder on.

Now to find a shop that can help me get the leaf spring loose!

Thanks guys!

Chris,
What are you trying to do the the leaf spring?

Well, I am trying to get it off of the mounting bracket. The issue is that the bolt is stripped, threads are rusted and i can't get it out with penetrating oil, heating the bracket, etc. I figured that it would be easier to take the bracket the leaf spring in to a shop then taking the whole frame

Chris,
Do you want to bring it by my house. I should be home all weekend.

Let me talk to the wife and make sure it is ok that i take off for a little while.