need tips on removing xmember rivets

[68jimmy]

Help! I removed the v6 from my 68 gmc today and that went pretty smooth... It was until I had to remove the x-member that supported the rear of the engine, since this truck came with a 3-speed. I removed all except 3, the 2 upper rear and the top front on the drivers side. I used my had grinder to take down the rivet heads then used a hammer to do the rest. There is just no room, since the cab is only about a inch or so above. I do not have a torch or access to a plasma cutter (I wish I did...)

What tips are out lurking in the shadows? I was thinking of perhaps of borrowing a saw-z-all and I might have enough room to squeeze it in there.

Any help appreciated!

[rolson1039]

jeez sounds like quite a pickle youve gotten yourself into there. While ive not tried the thing youre doion, ive had to remove lots of these kind of rivets from the 73-87 frames and i found that if you can get in there with a cut off wheel from a dremel and slice up the top of the rivet you can quite easily use a good cold chisel to shear it off then pop em out,, im not sure of the area youre working in but if worst came to worst couldnt ya loosen up the cab and slide in a block of wood t get more room to work?

[NPilot1975]

Use an air chisel. Make sure the chisel is sharp and they will come off in 2 seconds.

[68jimmy]

I hadn't thought of the air chisel... My neighbor has a compressor, I'll check if if he has one handy, if not I'll buy one!

Thanks.