Reproduction Part Question, I need your input

[Dana67Dart]

Hi All,
Some of you know me from FABO and know that I reproduce the parts that are not financially feasible for the big reproducers to make. I Reverse engineer the OEM part and produce them in Plastics, Stainless Steel or Aluminum.

I strive to make parts that are physically identical to the OEM part. But sometimes a slight modification is warranted to keep costs down and allow the driveway mechanic to replace a broken part on his car.


I'm in the process of reproducing the 70-71 E body Manual top hold down plastic latch and I wanted to get your input.

The OEM fasteners are pressed in rivets requiring a press and a die to compress the shaft of the rivet. Most of us do not have the tools required to sucessfuly install rivets.

The 65 A Body has the same part but is shaped differently. It originally was held in the same way with 2 Rivets. I modified the design to accept a captured nut and use 2 4-40 or 5-40 screws (haven't decided yet) to attach it.

This is the look

For the E body I can do the same and have a captured nut on the side where the OEM rivet head is OR have the head of the screw where the existing head of the rivet is with a nut on the back side.


Here are mock ups of the options:

Screw head on the rivet head side

Standard sized 4-40 nut on the opposite side (you can see in the photo of the 65 A Body part there are 2 sized nuts, standard and small either could be used)

Captured nuts on the rivet head side
4-40 Nut (It would be captured in a hex shaped recess. you can see in the photo of the 65 A Body part there are 2 sized nuts, standard and small either could be used)

Screw head on opposite side

A pop rivet is an option but I think the blob of the pop rivet look cheap.

Let me know which way you all prefer.

Thanks for your help.

Dana

 

[Challenger RTA]

Just my 2¢. You have it in hand and now how it works.

I reproduce the parts that are not financially feasible for the big reproducers to make.

To make something that is made of unobtanium. What can anyone say. It would be apricated by an induvial in dire need. I applauded you for your work!

The OEM fasteners are pressed in rivets requiring a press and a die to compress the shaft of the rivet. Most of us do not have the tools required to sucessfuly install rivets.

A rivet won't loosen up as quick as a screw if at all. I think a drop of blue Loctite would be a good idea. Or just spring washer. If posable. A properly sized pop rivet when compressed wouldn't have to much pressure on the material. Clearance would have to taken into consideration.
But then how many times will it be operated.

a slight modification

I would rather it needed modified. Being a bit lager to be made to fit then to small. Not being able to make it bigger. Than not to have one at all.

I can't count how many times I would be looking to buy something. I would look and ask. Is everything there. Being broke bent or rusted I can make it or find one. Find one. That's what can be the hardest one.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Dana67Dart​

When I grow up. I want to be a Challenger.

That cracks me up!
My brothers and I have had a number of Darts passed between us. A friend I worked with had a Duster with a 6 banger. For a time we were slowing it down with the parking. Then stopping it with are feet. The last time it about hit the trailer we were renting. We changed the brakes! Some of the best time an A.
Crazy thing. After we went are own way. Years later we became cousins by relatives marriage.

 

[Dana67Dart]

A rivet wont loosen up as quick as a screw if at all. I think a drop of blue Loctite would be a good idea

The a body guys are trying to talk me into rivets, I think I'll make it for a screw with the head where the rivet head is. That way if someone wants to rivet it on they can.

And I expected a drop of lock tire would be a good choice.

I make a lot of A body misc parts. And can make B,C,E body parts as well. I typically just barrow a part broken or not and go from there.

And it's funny you mentioned UNOBTAINIUM

By "business" name is "DANA'S UNOBTAINIUM CLASSIC CAR PARTS"

I was at Tri-State swap meet trying to get rid of my hoard of parts.

 

[Steve340]

I don't believe plastic and pop rivets play well together. The rivet expands while being fitted and can crack the plastic - either when fitted or over time.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I don't believe plastic and pop rivets play well together.

I agree with that. There are different size pop rivet. Once the button draws in it will pop. That would have to be figured out what would work. If at all. The original type of rivet looks like what I used in relining brake shoes. But then that is maybe an unnecessary expense. At this point. It's all about production.

 

[Dana67Dart]

But then that is maybe an unnecessary expense. At this point. It's all about production

The hollow end rivets are not too expensive .

I also thought about a small plate with tapped holes to screw the screws into.

Painted black it would be almost invisable.

 

[Challenger RTA]

As far as the expense. I was referring to a piece of equipment like this. There is type that is manual . It is operated with foot power. There is a small hand job type. That doesn't sound right! I have one somewhere. I'll have to look for it.​

Mild Steel Brake Shoe Liner Riveting Machine (Hydro Pneumatic), Riveting Capacity: 3 - 12 Mm

 

[Challenger RTA]

Here's one. Set the depth and compress. Not sure if the one below you can set the depth. Use a hammer or a press of sort that most might have.

https://www.steinertractor.com/MIS1131-Brake-Riveting-Tool?utm_id=569985961&utm_content=|pcrid|80401989462927|pkw||pmt|be|slid||pdv|c|product|MIS1131|pgrid|1286429960883160|ptaid|pla-2332201602004200|%20to%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.steinertractor.com%2FMIS1131-Brake-Riveting-Tool%3Futm_id%3D569985961?utm_marin=|pcrid|80401989462927|pkw||pmt|be|slid||pdv|c|product|MIS1131|pgrid|1286429960883160|ptaid|pla-2332201602004200|&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI)%20PMax%20-%20Brand%20Queries&utm_term=2332201602004200