easiest way to cut factory frame rivets? 4" grinder?

[knightowl73]

just wondering. i need to cut the rear bumpstop mounts off my truck and add the lil traction bar bumpstops. whats the best tool to use to get it done rather quickly? i was thinking a 4" makita grinder with a rock on it will do it, but is there and easier way without a torch or plasma cutter?

[71swb4x4]

There are a lot of ways to get it done. Whichever way you do it, make sure you wear gloves and eye protection.

I have ground the head down with a grinder and then punched the rivet out.

I have also drilled a hole in the rivet and then knocked the head off with an air chisel and punched the rivet out.

[knightowl73]

interesting, never thought of that but if i can fit the drill in there straight on it i think ill try it that way, i do have a air chisel at my dads and just didnt think of it doing me any good with as thick as the rivets are. thanks

[benoit454]

a grinder is pretty quick and easy I got like a 10 or 12 inch one and use it. For tight areas 4 inch could be better, air chisel, cut off tool and cut an x in the head or something then air chisel or hand chisel it. I've heard or seen all of them, trucks on tv said use the cut off x method and air chisel, gearz on tv says air chisel period. I've personally just ground the heads off with my big grinder, I done a front spring hanger on an 86 k10 on the rear end, a rear spring hanger on the 84 c10 dad has now, and some bolts and nuts on my 88 I couldn't get off.

[classicchev]

chisel and hammer. Couple good smacks and ther gone.

[lilpoindexter]

GM built some damn fine rivets on 73-87 trucks...

[benoit454]

agreed, I tried to chisel ball joints rivets off with mostly no luck a grinder done good on them though.

[datguysaL]

use a cutoff wheel and cut an X on the rivet head. then grab a chisel and hammer, and beat it off. its easiest method imo.

and dont forget your "safety glasses".

[sparkydog]

Originally Posted by datguysal

use a cutoff wheel and cut an x on the rivet head. Then grab a chisel and hammer, and beat it off. Its easiest method imo.

x2 ^^^^^

[1BadSS]

I've used a sawzall on the transmission cross member rivets on a 68 I once had. Didn't remove the cab, just slipped the blade inbetween the head and the frame on the rivet and knocked it off pretty quickly.

[knightowl73]

well now im thinking the cutoff wheel and chisel method. should be pretty simple

[78 Chevyrado]

Originally Posted by lilpoindexter

GM built some damn fine rivets on 73-87 trucks...

I concur.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

If you are good with an acetelyne torch, it doesnt get any faster and easier. Hold the torch sideways blowing across the head of the rivet... as soon as the head starts glowing to the point of melt hit the throttle and it will clean the rivet head right off. then take your air chisel with a punch die and knock the rest though the hole while it is still hot. The key is the angle of the torch head to stay away from the frame.

[knightowl73]

yes i know lol. thing is i want no possible way to light off any off he leaky fluids that over time have left a wet coating under my truck, i just havent taken the time to clean it up, as i work out all the leaks.

just a few weeks ago my buddy tried to fire up the new motor in his 62 impala WITH OPEN HEADERS and NO TRANS LINES! at fist sight of fire and no water hose i thought the car was gonna end up pretty much toast. the exhaust lit the trans fluid dripping from the tranny where nolines were hooked up yet.

at this point for me a torch isnt exactly the easiest thing for me to get ahold to either, everyone i know has one but with empty bottles regardless so im working around it.

since my dads cutoff wheel is rather weak, im just gonna take the grinder to them and go right through the center once digging a line though then just gonna take the air chisel to them, should be fine.