Floor Panel Removal

kd4lok

kd4lok

Member
I need to replace the rear floor panel on my 31 Coupe. What is the preferred way to remove the rivets holding the panel in place?

Thanks,
 
Thanks. I hoped not to have to grind the rivet heads but I center punched one and it appeared to be fairly hard metal so I was concerned about drilling as well.
 
It should be fairly soft as those rivets are bucked cold. Either way, a good quality US manufactured Jobber drill, -or even a Machine drill bit will do the job quickly.
 
Brent is right on. I have removed and replaced a number of rivet in panels on my model A's. I might add, use a drill bit slightly smaller than the rivet which is usually 3/16" in diameter. You don't want to enlarge the hole in the subrails or cross rails. I them use a punch to knock the rivet out if some of it remains in the hole.
Rusty Nelson
 
The vendors have a tool for sale that goes over the top of the rivet and centers the drill. Also available from Big Flats Rivet Co. I used it to remove all the floorpan rivets in my 31 Roadster. Works ok as long as you are careful. Sometimes you might need to use an angle drill if you are in a tight spot.
 
Bob, it’s really not that hard once you get the hang of it. Just make sure that center punch is sharp and that you punch the center of the rivet. After that carefully drill that punched area until your drill bit brings up a few slivers of rivet. Then, take a small ball peen hammer and use the center punch to tap the rivet through. You should be able to remove the rivets without enlarging the original hole.

Mike
 
I always take a die grinder with a carbide ball and dimple the head of the rivet
This keeps a drill bit from wandering and wallowing off the head.
After the head comes off, tap out remainder with a punch; sometimes have to back it up (sockets have many uses!)
 
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