Rivet Clincher for Window Channel?

[Gypsyman]

When installing new front window channels in the door there is a single brass rivet at the top of each channel. How are owners clinching this rivet? I can find clinching tools but the cost is just not realistic when there are only two of these rivets per truck.

I've tried the methods I've seen mentioned. Vise grips and C-clamps give a poor finish and don't clinch the rivet properly. I can't seem to find anything via the search that covers this. Below is the rivet in question...

 

[NY Tom]

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One of these might work? Bought one to do brake shoe relining rivets...

 

[Gypsyman]

I was looking at the manual tools. I guess you could pull the door and try to build something to support the rivet head.

 

[NY Tom]

Not ideal but for two rivets maybe.

 

[NY Tom]

Maybe with the tool you could use a C clamp and a steel block in the channel over the rivet head. The Tools are long but you might cut one down. It would be hokey but doable. Squeeze the rivet down with the c-clamp and it would make the channel tight to the door. Maybe machine a round bar with two countersinks - one for the spinning anvil of the clamp and one to fit the diameter of the punch to help line it all up.

 

[Gypsyman]

I tried a cobbled together c-clamp this morning and I just couldn't get the leverage to roll the flange. I'll order a die and try it again. Good thing I bought a whole bag of the rivets. =)

Had an idea. I have a pair of junk 24" bolt cutters that a friend left here. I might be able to grind the jaws back far enough to weld on a die like the one shown below. Just have to cut off the mounting shaft. A small piece of smooth flat stock on the other jaw and I just might have the leverage to properly roll the rivet flange.

 

[GopherHill]

Sounds like a workable plan. Check out ak build rivet setters.

 

[Gypsyman]

Modified bolt cutter won't work. Handles won't clear the cab so the door will still need to come off. I'll get a die coming and try something else. Might just use a fine thread bolt and make my own C-clamp style squeezer.

 

[NY Tom]

Good luck. Should not need that much force.

I had the tool in a Bridgeport collet and just used the quill handle to set most of the rivets.

 

[Gypsyman]

Thanks. I think that having the correct clinching die will greatly reduce the needed force. I found an old steering wheel puller in my junk box. The fine threads on that should generate more than enough pressure. With some scrap steel and little creative welding I should be able to create a tool.

 

[tguinn]

I used a split rivet, lays pretty flat, you don't see it unless you are looking for it. Tim

 

[Iron Maiden]

I recently replaced the window channels in my truck. What you need to do is find a piece of 9/16" steel barstock (1/2" would also work). You will use this metal as a small anvil to back up the rivet. Take a small ballpeen hammer and carefully peen over the head of the rivet. It might help if you had someone else to hold the backing bar, so you can concentrate on forming a nice head on your rivet. I've done some riveting in my life on other jobs and attempting to set this rivet with anything like a c-clamp isn't going to give you the type of results you want. This job only took me a few minutes doing it the way I described (I used solid brass rivets that were very similar to the original). I hope that helps you.

 

[Gypsyman]

Update. I ran across and old Roper Whitney clincher and took a gamble on it. The unit showed up with a broken retaining collar. Due to the weight the seller didn't want it back so they refunded the purchase price less the shipping cost. A few minutes on the lathe at a friends house and I had a new retaining collar. Cut it in half to make a split rings and voilà. A functional Roper Whitney DA-5 Redi-Set rivet squeezer. I'll modify a pair of bolts this weekend to make a backer and die holder. =)

 

[Mullaney]

Update. I ran across and old Roper Whitney clincher and took a gamble on it. The unit showed up with a broken retaining collar. Due to the weight the seller didn't want it back so they refunded the purchase price less the shipping cost. A few minutes on the lathe at a friends house and I had a new retaining collar. Cut it in half to make a split rings and voilà. A functional Roper Whitney DA-5 Redi-Set rivet squeezer. I'll modify a pair of bolts this weekend to make a backer and die holder. =)

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Nice!!

 

[Gypsyman]

Man, I sure love saving old tools. They just feel better in general. =)