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.
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.
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 ?
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
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.
__________________
"Seek the truth or bury you head in the sand, both require some digging"
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 .
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.