grille surround rebuild

[HMBCUDA]

I'm in the middle of a semi-self rebuild of my '68 Barracuda grille surrounds. I found a local shop that could repair and polish the alum. trim pieces, and repair the broken brackets, and he turned me on to a place that re-anodized them. (i had to disassemble everything) Now it's time for re-assembly...

I'm wondering if I can pick the brains of anyone out there that has experience with '67-'69 grille trim rebuild.

For most of the re-assemply i can use alum. pop rivets, but there are several that are exposed...I'd like to use smooth head rivets that you swedge/expand...but I feel I'm gona destory the trim swedging the rivet with a hammer and swedge tool.

if someone know of where to get a tool that compresses a rivet, and or has done this and can give me an idea of how to do it with out wrecking the trim, I sure would appreciate the help.

Thanks!

PS: I may not respond right away...dont have internet at home, or a smart phone. (gasp)

 

[1969383S]

http://tubularrivetclincher.yolasite.com/

I bought this inexpensive tool to do my grilles and other parts with.

The rivets can be purchased from http://www.rivetsonline.com/

Get an assortment of different lengths. These are just like the originals and have superior holding power over pop rivets.

I have used it for re-building the grilles, wiper motor and ashtray among other things. When I got mine it came with 1/8th inch dies but I think they offer it with 2 sets of dies now.

If not the dies can be purchased at Jay-Cee as well and they also have different tools available. I was very pleased with the one shown in the photo.

 

[Old Tired Rebel]

Welcome

 

[HMBCUDA]

Thanks! That looks like just what i need , i appreciate all the info. About where to get the rivets, etc. Too! Have a happy thanksgiving!