Heater Restoration

Fullfendered

Fullfendered

Senior Member
I would like to take this heater apart, clean up the rust and paint. If I drill the rivets out what would I need to replace them? Is there a process, special tool, use substitute method to put it back together? Thank you for you assistance.
 
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One option would be to use POP Rivets. They come in various sizes,lengths, and material. I realize they are not period correct but are a means to the end. But after looking at the PICs it appears that you would be able to get to them from the back side so they could be hand set. Or maybe you could find a river squeezer to borrow or maybe ever go to a brake shop and get them to set the rivets for you.
 
check with restoration specialties to see if a replacement rivet is available don't know if chrome is an option if not maybe a headless screw/nut I used something like this when I was building my 28 roadster cab they will send you in the right direction
 
If the rust is only on the inside, I wouldn't disassemble the unit. Rather, use a rust converter and your choice of top coat. Trying to reassemble a piece like that is tough, especially if you're persnickety like me.
 
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Maybe use SS carriage bolts to assemble. Polish the heads and they will look like chrome.
 
You could carefully grind away the perimeter of the flange of the "set" rivet on the backside so the rivet can be pushed out. For reassembly use JB WELD on the back of the rivet where you did the grinding. When grinding the backside of the rivet the idea is to grind it in such a way that the rivet DOES NOT become shorter. If you don't use the washer on the backside you may just be able to use a die to cut just enough threads on the rivet dia. so that you can "catch" the threads with a small nut.
 
It doesn't look bad enough to go to the extreme of disassembly. You should be able to clean it up satisfactorily and paint while keeping it intact. Why chance destroying it....
 
As Frank suggests, I would use the domed head screws that you get in headlight repair kits. Once tightened they look like rivets. Bratton's Model A, 800-255-1929, has them, PN18280 for $3.95 for a set of 12.
 
I just restored my heater.I used white vinegar to get the rust off ....it was similar kind of rust as it appears in your pictures......

If you do go ahead and drill the rivets out, I agree that small stainless steel coach bolts,polished up,would be your best bet.

Nice looking heater btw.
 
I,ve done about 20 art-deco style heaters . What you have there is minimal ageing. Don,t take the heater all the way apart for that little bit of blemish on the inside. The vinegar bath is a good idea. Brush it clean the next day.
 
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