vintag replacement?

[drc270]

I have about 3/4'' between the dash frame pieces. How does one replace rivets/reinstall vintag?
Is there a special tool for the rivets as it is impossible to get my rivet gun into a 3/4'' space?

 

[daytona71]

The only way to do that using the correct "rosette" style rivets is with the dash out,or with the windshield out. Not sure of the legal system in your area, but apparently just having the rivets is against the law in some states. There are replacement rivets being sold online from a few vendors if you desire to have the original look. Another way is if you still have the original rivet heads, the tag can be fastened in place using something like JB Weld. It will look factory and only you will know it has been replaced following painting or whatever

 

[drc270]

Thanks daytona71.
The dash is out of the car as I am doing a resto. I have not removed the vin tag yet. It is in perfect condition, I just need to media blast the dash frame and repaint and do not want
to ruin the tag. That is a good idea with gluing it back in. Still not sure how I would rivet it back in unless there is a tool that sets those rosette style rivets in from the top?

 

[daytona71]

Ok, when media blasting the frame, cover the vintag with 2 layers of duct tape, and to be safe cover over the tape with a putty,like a butyl tape type. The media wont get through to damage the vintag, and you wont have to remove it or the rivets.

 

[drc270]

Thanks again. I feel like an _____ . I just realized I have been looking at the rivet installation backwardsops:
I found a place that sells the replacement rivets. Spendy rivets...

 

[hunt2elk]

A standard pop rivet gun will work with the new rivets. The double tape would work also like daytona71 said. If things are in as good of condition as you state, this is the route I would go.

 

[Car Nut]

Ok, when media blasting the frame, cover the vintag with 2 layers of duct tape, and to be safe cover over the tape with a putty,like a butyl tape type. The media wont get through to damage the vintag, and you wont have to remove it or the rivets.

A standard pop rivet gun will work with the new rivets. The double tape would work also like daytona71 said. If things are in as good of condition as you state, this is the route I would go.

:yes:

 

[HawkRod]

Ok, when media blasting the frame, cover the vintag with 2 layers of duct tape, and to be safe cover over the tape with a putty,like a butyl tape type. The media wont get through to damage the vintag, and you wont have to remove it or the rivets.

I agree. This is what I did, although my dash wasn't in horrible shape. Rather then ever even have a question about it, I left my original VIN and rivets untouched. My VIN has a scratch in it too, but I opted not to restore it. - with all the hype and concern about this, I just left it alone!

 

[747mopar]

Agreed, I'd mask it and be done with it. To many questions are brought up when a VIN has been tampered with not to mention the legal ramifications if caught (felony in some states).

 

[John L]

Remember you can grind off the back of the rivet to avoid damage you may encounter drilling it out. Save the top portion for the rivet and glue the tag/rivet tops back in place. Just a thought.

John

 

[mopar 3 B]

From what I have read leave it attached and tape it. Your local BC authorities will be much happier and so will you.