I am replacing my broken rockers (plastic rocker covers), it sounds like removal is pretty easy. Do I need to buy a plastic rivet gun and rivets to put the new ones on? I only have a metal rivet gun and that would probably be for rivets smaller than needed. If so do stores carry them?

The Fiero Store has the plastic rivet gun and rocker panel rivets.

You can use metal rivits or even bolts to reattach the rockers. The downside is that metal rivits may crack your panels when they are installed as the force to intall the rivits and their clamping force is very high compaired to the plastic rivits. Same goes with bolts unless you use locknuts and tighten accordingly. Also make sure you use non corrosive rivits ei aluminum or they will just rust away. Also stainless bolts for the same reason.

I bought a bag of the plastic ones from a guy on E-Bay. They fit several places on the car. They are very inexpensive.

I also bought the plastic riveter on line for much cheaper than any where else I had found it ... was only about $15 only around $20 after shipping, and now I'm set for as long as my Fiero obsession lasts. The plastic rivets can be had from e-bay or any one of the trim fastener vendors


Here's a link to the same one I have (not sure if it's where I got it)

http://www.westcoasttool.ne...19400-Plastic/Detail

Rich

Thanks guys, would this plastic rivet gun stuff be at a retail store too where I can just go buy, or to look at?

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 01-16-2008).]

I forgot all about the rivet gun. I used a 1/4" box end wrench against the head of the rivet, and vice grips on the shank, and pulled real hard. It was a pain in the arse but it works in a jam.
Joe

I used the plastic rivets and got a rivet gun from somewhere or other online (never found one locally). The only problem I found with the plastic rivets is that the shank tended to break too soon, leaving the rivet only partially pulled up with the result that they would then fall out. In the end I used a couple of regular rivets along with the plastic ones that worked.

There are also some BIG alum rivets that go on the top of the rocker covers (on my notchie at least). They are under some clip in covers that lie on top of the rocker cover. They are too big (diameter) for a regular 3/16 rivet gun. I think I ended up using plastic ones for those as well or 3/16 alum rivets with washers.

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Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

My solution was to install nut rivets in the chassis. The rocker panels now attach via machine screws with washers. I was able to find the rivets and installation tool at Harbor Freight.

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: My solution was to install nut rivets in the chassis. The rocker panels now attach via machine screws with washers. I was able to find the rivets and installation tool at Harbor Freight.

Not a bad idea.

quote Originally posted by josef644: I forgot all about the rivet gun. I used a 1/4" box end wrench against the head of the rivet, and vice grips on the shank, and pulled real hard. It was a pain in the arse but it works in a jam. Joe

That's what I did, and I thought it was pretty darn easy. I didn't even have to pay for the rivets

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: My solution was to install nut rivets in the chassis. The rocker panels now attach via machine screws with washers. I was able to find the rivets and installation tool at Harbor Freight.

I did exactly the same as well as grinding the ridiculous locking tabs on the ground effects which i guess was used to hold them in place during production but made removal a bear on mine.

Now the entire ground effects can be removed in about three minutes.

Did the rivet nut thing, too. I drilled all the holes out to 3/8" and used the 1/4-20 nut.

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1986 SE 350 V8

NAPA Auto Parts has a complete supply of the many different plastic rivets. I bought a plastic rivet kit from them.
It came with a few different sizes and have used it for the aero-skirts and when I added the side scoop panels.



Item#: BK 7702865
Price: $51.49
tax and shipping not included

Attributes:
Style Name:Plastic Rivet Setter Kit
Features & Benefits:Recloseable Carton Provides Convenient Storage For Both Rivets & Tool
Application:Complete Kit to Set Plastic Rivets
Package Contents:Rivet Setter
Plastic Rivets (770-2864)
(25) 770-2869
(25) 770-2867
(25) 770-2871 & (25) 770-2870