How do nomads attach fittings to the thin outer aluminum skin of their vans. I recently fitted anti flap brackets with 1/8" ally pop rivets and on the first test the batten hook caught on one and almost ripped it off. On a couple I was lucky to strike the frame behind and they are firm.
Dickodownunder said
02:48 PM Dec 17, 2017
Hi Willdoe,
Do a search for "peel rivets"
They open up like a banana peel when they are installed and you only need a standard pop rivet gun.
As Dickodownunder has just mentioned the "Peel Rivets are good, however they may produce 3 small indentations from the rear as they set. They are ok if your material is reasonably thick, and they will crack fibreglass surfaces. I found out the hard way.
I have used the "Tri Fold" rivet throughout my van when I built it. They work the reverse to the Peel, as they fold out and concertina down when being set and form a flange being the surface.
I would suggest that you do a quick Google search and determine what best suits your situation.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Hetho.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:00 PM Dec 17, 2017
In
Our old converted bus . The inner panels came out and we found any additions attached to outside had an alloy plate on inside . Either L bracket screwed or just sikoflexed depending on strength required ?
Willdoe said
10:21 PM Dec 17, 2017
Unfortunately I can't get behind to fit backing plates. I think I will look into those trifold rivets as suggested by Hetho. Looks like 3/16" is the smallest diameter. Thanks For replies.
Willdoe
Aus-Kiwi said
12:05 AM Dec 18, 2017
My Explorer has a pop riveted and sikoflexed alloy plate on outside to spread the contact area.
Dickodownunder said
12:15 AM Dec 18, 2017
Willdoe wrote:
Unfortunately I can't get behind to fit backing plates. I think I will look into those trifold rivets as suggested by Hetho. Looks like 3/16" is the smallest diameter. Thanks For replies. Willdoe
The peel rivets wont dent the panel if the component that they are required to hold has a larger surface mounting area than the spread dimension of the rivet.
You can buy 1/8th inch peel rivets.
Blues Man said
07:48 AM Dec 18, 2017
Thanks guys ,i didn't realise such pop rivets existed .
You learn something new everyday.
mr glassies said
06:59 PM Dec 18, 2017
Be carful drilling into the outer skin in case of wires . I use a piece of copper tube only allowing a thickness of a match to go through the wall . As drilling through thin alloy when it bites it bites . I have seen a drill go through the outer skin and through cables and or the inner wall .
Dibs
Cupie said
12:00 PM Dec 19, 2017
mr glassies wrote:
Be carful drilling into the outer skin in case of wires . I use a piece of copper tube only allowing a thickness of a match to go through the wall . As drilling through thin alloy when it bites it bites . I have seen a drill go through the outer skin and through cables and or the inner wall .
Dibs
When drilling thru the walls I fit a depth limiter to the drill.
Drill a hole through an appropriate length of doweling or scrap timber. Put your drill bit through it with just a little bit of drill protruding. The dowling stops the drill going in too far.
A bit of tape over the surface being drilled stops you scratching off any surface paint or whatever.
iana said
12:51 PM Dec 19, 2017
Aus-Kiwi has the right idea, spread the load, a plate Sika-flexed in position can do that, or a backing plate, or a rib structure.
How do nomads attach fittings to the thin outer aluminum skin of their vans. I recently fitted anti flap brackets with 1/8" ally pop rivets and on the first test the batten hook caught on one and almost ripped it off. On a couple I was lucky to strike the frame behind and they are firm.
Do a search for "peel rivets"
They open up like a banana peel when they are installed and you only need a standard pop rivet gun.
goo.gl/images/ERCXiQ
Hi Willdoe.
As Dickodownunder has just mentioned the "Peel Rivets are good, however they may produce 3 small indentations from the rear as they set. They are ok if your material is reasonably thick, and they will crack fibreglass surfaces. I found out the hard way.
I have used the "Tri Fold" rivet throughout my van when I built it. They work the reverse to the Peel, as they fold out and concertina down when being set and form a flange being the surface.
I would suggest that you do a quick Google search and determine what best suits your situation.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Hetho.
Willdoe
The peel rivets wont dent the panel if the component that they are required to hold has a larger surface mounting area than the spread dimension of the rivet.
You can buy 1/8th inch peel rivets.
Thanks guys ,i didn't realise such pop rivets existed .
You learn something new everyday.
Dibs
When drilling thru the walls I fit a depth limiter to the drill.
Drill a hole through an appropriate length of doweling or scrap timber. Put your drill bit through it with just a little bit of drill protruding. The dowling stops the drill going in too far.
A bit of tape over the surface being drilled stops you scratching off any surface paint or whatever.