Interior rivet alternatives?

[johncdeere]

I've read several post about the "push pin" original rivits and their problems. Has anyone found an alternative type pin?

I want to be able to remove and replace them easier. My Miata has several different kinds. Some, you can pull the pin by it's head. Some smaller ones are a design I really like. They have a philips head that you can screw the pin out. Both of these come in and out on a regular basis when I'm doing mods.

I don't know a source or the correct size ( I hate to buy new correct ones just to find out what size)

I'm starting from scratch on this interior with new panels and I don't have any of the old stuff.

Thanks,

John

[TomoHawk]

The only thing I could think of is to omit the pins and use a screw in its place. That way you can re-use the same rivets.

New cars are using the same kind of rivets.

[Zs-ondabrain]

The only thing I could think of is to omit the pins and use a screw in its place. That way you can re-use the same rivets.

New cars are using the same kind of rivets.

The only problem with that is the original rivets are round and have no way to keep from spinning while you install the screw.

Also, unless the screw is just right, It will catch too hard and spin or not catch enough and not hold or fall out. The original rivets when 30+ years old are a rigid plastic that may crack or split.

just my 2 cents,

Dave.

P.S. i'm not knocking your idea tomohawk, But I've tried that and it's more trouble than its worth. Good idea though.

[e_racer1999]

^^yea, a couple of mine already split on me...

[TomoHawk]

If you use a screw, I would suggest filing the threads off. I have some nice button-head screws with hes holes in them. Otherwise, I was thinking of using something like a large tack, with a head a little larger than that of the rivet. If done properly, it would plug the hole of the rivet, and cover the head of the rivet.

I just can't think if anything off-hand, so I'll have to schedule a trip to the office supply store, and maybe the DIY store.

What's the diameter of that little pin?

thx

[mlc240z]

How about a 4d or 6d finishing nail (not sure of size, haven't tried it yet)? Cut it to length. It has just a small diameter head that won't slip thru, yet would just protrude enough to grab with a needle nose pliers. It is rounded to prevent snags or scraping if you brushed by it. Paint the tips black or your interior color.

I'm going to experiment cause I'm tired of retrieving the pins.

[TomoHawk]

Now that I'm thinking of this, why not eliminate the rivets completely.

By soldering, or gluing, something like a pop-rivet, which has a hole in it, into the hole where the rivet goes, you could actually use a screw. Properly glued or soldered in, it shouldn't turn, unless the screw is really tight.

I like that idea because you can slowly tighten the screw and draw the piece down as you adjust it. I have problems positioning the pieces in my car AND pushing the screws in at the same time.

mlc-

The idea of the small nail is suggested ecery time we discuss this idea, and it sounds like a good alternative to use in a pinch. I'm concerened with leaving them in there because I think the head will catch or scratch, IMO. Maybe somebody can keep an eye out for some large tacks with thick pins.

thx

[MikeW]

The paint shop that provided the paint for my car has a large selection of plastic rivets, clips, etc. They obviously supply this stuff to paint and body shops and it's nicely arranged in large books with the actual parts laminated to each page. If you don't mind departing from stock I'm sure there are better alternatives out there.

[TomoHawk]

I don't mind a few non-OEM things, as long as they are easily available and an improvement to the old part- like tyres.

[halz]

The main problem experienced with the OEM rivets is the little centre pins. They must be pushed right through in order to remove the rivet itself...and then how do you get the pins back once they've rattled down into the bodywork 'bilges'? (There is a good post by escanlon on that topic).

My own solution was to get hold of a couple of wooden skewers or kebab sticks - it is possible to find them in a very snug diameter that will push firmly into the rivet centre hole. So...replace the rivet, insert the wooden kebab stick and then snip it off flush with some side-cutters. Final step: put a dot of modellers paint on the stick in the appropriate colour to match the rivet.

This has saved me the cost/time of buying OEM replacement rivets and there is no need to put up with non-standard ones which, lets face it, just don't look quite right.

My 2c

[Bambikiller240]

...and then how do you get the pins back once they've rattled down into the bodywork 'bilges'? (There is a good post by escanlon on that topic).

My own solution was to get hold of a couple of wooden skewers or kebab sticks - it is possible to find them in a very snug diameter that will push firmly into the rivet centre hole. So...replace the rivet, insert the wooden kebab stick and then snip it off flush with some side-cutters. Final step: put a dot of modellers paint on the stick in the appropriate colour to match the rivet.

EScanlon's good idea was to vacuum the pins up. (Put a piece of nylon panty hose inside the vacuum hose to keep the pins from going into the vacuum tank/bag.)

halz idea with the kebob sticks sound like a good idea for replacing the pins that are lost for one reason or another.

[gema]

At some point on either this site or HybridZ someone mentioned finding a near exact (if not 100% the same) part available at a national hardware store for an incredibly cheap price. Leave it to me to lose the hyperlink.