A riveting discussion......

[EastCoastCB]

Yes they are.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by TheHex

Time makes sense to me but why use rivets to patch ?
Just to match what’s already in place ?

Self tapping screws would do the job as long as everything is sealed properly. I plan on using them in my build for easy of installation, twice as easy as rivets

[Tango]

World of difference between screws & rivets. Screws don't begin to pull two panels together the way rivets will. But...that said...my 72 year old bus is all held together with big ass sheet metal screws. Inside & out.

[Gdog 5651]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

im guessing a couple things...


1. a completely rigid bus is going to make for the possibility things break when they should flex.. rivets with seam sealer behind allow for some expansion and contraction of the various metals with motion, temperature and the like.


2. likely a lot less time to go down the side of a bus during manufacturing with a rivet gun than it is with a welder...



-Christopher

That is all true plus exterior repairs would be really difficult if panels and rub rails were welded on. Gene

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Tango

World of difference between screws & rivets. Screws don't begin to pull two panels together the way rivets will.

That is what kept me from considering screws. I have several areas that are sheet metal overlapping without structure behind them and existing rivet holes in places.

Why can't they just build buses out of wood? That would make my life much easier......

I can't wait to be done with this metal manipulation and start making sawdust

[o1marc]

Been holding back, but I can't. How much pressure do you guys need on a patch? Screws pull panels together using the same process a rivet does. The thread of the screw pulls the back panel towards the head of the screw until the panels and screw are sandwiched tight. A rivet does the same by distorting the shaft and pulling the panel towards the head of the rivet. Screws fail as often as rivets in my experience. I'd need to see data that says screws are inferior for this application. I did a lot of repair work on closed utility trailers and they are all assembled with self tapping screws. Why? Because they do the job that is needed, they are quicker and easier to install and can be replaced easily. If it's a structural component I might consider rivets over screws, but in any other application screws work.

[jazty]

No mention of solid rivets?
They seal great and are dirty dirt cheap. Keeps the original look for many buses, too.
Downsides being that they require backside access and a rivet gun and bucking bar (or a heavy chunk of scrap steel). I bought a gun used and it set me back around $75, if I'm recalling correctly.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by jazty

No mention of solid rivets?
They seal great and are dirty dirt cheap. Keeps the original look for many buses, too.
Downsides being that they require backside access and a rivet gun and bucking bar (or a heavy chunk of scrap steel). I bought a gun used and it set me back around $75, if I'm recalling correctly.

My metal working skills leave much to be desired. Bucking rivets is a skill I am reluctant to tackle. Also, it appears to me that I would need a helper to man the bucking bar. Right now I am pretty much working solo.

I will say that when I have had someone working with me I get a whole lot more done and have more fun doing it.

I seem to remember reading somewhere about not working on a motorcycle alone....... Does that apply to buses as well?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

My metal working skills leave much to be desired. Bucking rivets is a skill I am reluctant to tackle. Also, it appears to me that I would need a helper to man the bucking bar. Right now I am pretty much working solo.

I will say that when I have had someone working with me I get a whole lot more done and have more fun doing it.

I seem to remember reading somewhere about not working on a motorcycle alone....... Does that apply to buses as well?

Is that why I have 2 unfinished bikes?
I was thinking that the solid rivet/buck system would require 2 people and always access to the back side.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Is that why I have 2 unfinished bikes?
I was thinking that the solid rivet/buck system would require 2 people and always access to the back side.

That is my best understanding. I have never done it and can't visualize how one person could accomplish it.

Only two unfinished bikes? You must have a bunch of other projects..... If you are like me your to-do list is more like a book