Rivets instead of spot welds when fitting panels?

[pat_cope]

I'd like to get some opinions on using rivets instead of spot/puddle welds when fitting panels. (the external panels that make up the seams)
Here's why I'm tempted to try it:
- rivets will pull the gap closed to give a nice consistent gap
- you can use proper primer and paint on both sides before the panel is fitted (dont need to use weld through primer) then seal the seams as normal.
- aluminium rivet won’t rust like a spot weld
- rivets are more predictable, spot welds can be iffy (for me at least, some can be weak especially when welding over weld through primer),
- if all goes wrong rivets are easier to undo than spot welds
- no heat that might warp the panel

I haven't tried it. Maybe trying to get access with the rivet gun would be a problem?
Thanks!

[shepster]

And you think rivets are as strong as a weld?

[pat_cope]

Individually ...I guess not.

[gary1998]

i know of a rat look bay with body panels done in rivets
i like the look if any one intrested i post some pics

[clift_d]

More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.

In terms of your other issues

- alignment issues you can use things like cleco clips to pull everything together while you weld.
- heat distortion is down to welding technique - if you tack first and then fill in small sections then you can get rid of most issues
- you don't get bimetallic action with welds like you could get between aluminium rivets and steel panels
- rivets are unlikely to be as strong or long lasting
- spot welds / puddle welds can be drilled out easy enough if you need to undo something
- iffy spot welds is down to your experience, and preparation - welding through primer is never going to give a good result - you need to have bare metal
- you can use a waxoil paint in the cavities to get some protection on the back of the panels if you need it

In short... don't do it. If you want to weld it yourself then practice first. Otherwise take it to someone who knows what they're doing.

Good luck.

[nicq]

More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.

Just as well they don't mot aircraft then

[Woodyyellow]

I think you might experience two problems with this idea. Galvanic corrosion happens when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other, the aluminium rivit will corrode and disintegrate and  secondly the "shear" action of two steel plates against an aluminium rivet will be disastrous, they will be cut through!
I'm sure others will be along soon to add to this.

[itchyfeet]

You can get steel or stainless steel rivets to overcome galvanic corrosion and strength issues
The victorians riveted everything together so its not such a bad idea
i thought many panels on a T3 were not structural so Mr MOT should not be concerned with those, big question is which are structural and which are not?

I have some m4 stainless csk clinch studs and m4 nuts holding some small repair panels in my van

[clift_d]

More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.

Just as well they don't mot aircraft then

Duh hello, maybe next time you're passing you could point me to the bit where he said he was working on an aircraft... I seem to have missed it last time.

[lloydy]

I seem to remember someone saying they were going to try bonding panels on, wonder if it was tried?

[nicq]

More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.

Just as well they don't mot aircraft then

Duh hello, maybe next time you're passing you could point me to the bit where he said he was working on an aircraft... I seem to have missed it last time.

Duh hello seen many panels welded on aircraft.
I think you will find a few million rivets per aircraft.
New carbon fiber panels use a form of pop rivets

It was a joke

[acw]

nicq wrote:

clift_d wrote:More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.


Just as well they don't mot aircraft then

you cant spot weld aluminium that why they rivet aircraft.

having used them on boats i can confirm that they require regular inspection and replacement, and they corrode

still made me think

Andy

[nicq]

nicq wrote:

clift_d wrote:More informed people will be along shortly to put you right, but I think you're setting yourself up for an MOT fail - inspectors do not like to see rivets.


Just as well they don't mot aircraft then

you cant spot weld aluminium that why they rivet aircraft.

having used them on boats i can confirm that they require regular inspection and replacement, and they corrode

still made me think


Andy

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news ... lding.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Apparently you can

[clift_d]

It was a joke

I know... so was my reply

[kit]

Just as well he wasn't working on a plane the way you shot him down in flames