I purchased new (used) rocker (aero) panels on my '86 GT. I know they are installed with pop rivets, but I just want suggestions on how to proceed, so not to make mistakes and/or do any dammage. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[This message has been edited by Michael D. James (edited 10-02-2008).]

The main thing I found hard the first time was the locking tab on the front and rear of the rocker panel. It locks into the aero piece on the front and rear fenders. If you look in the slot between the two you will see it. You have to get a screw driver in the slot and on the tap. Push it down while pulling out. Other than that it's finding all the fastners and having them removed...

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 10-02-2008).]

Dodgerunner-

When removing mine I had the tab fully depressed on the front tab and the rocker panel was still hung on something. Is there something else it is caught on up there? If just about ripped my aero piece off the bottom of the fender.

[This message has been edited by sjmaye (edited 10-03-2008).]

boomtastic has a video in their gallery on pulling the panels. Might be worth watching it. You have to dig down to find it..
Click Video's....at the bottom "click here" and goto How to videos by owners. They pull lots off a car.

http://www.boomtastic.com/multimedia.php#

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 10-03-2008).]

what do people use to refasten the rocker panels? Curious

I use the plastic pop rivets. However for temp installs I have even used large ty wraps though the holes.
I don't like the AL. rivets since they like to react with the steel and salt over time...

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 10-03-2008).]

I just drilled all my metal rivets out. For the large metal rivets, if you wanted to go that road, require a special gun and really are a pain. I like Dodgerunner's idea about plastic and wish I had done that. . . I went the super cheap way and bought bolts that fit with two washers and a nut and put one in each hole. It holds up perfect and real cheap. But Plastic pop rivets are definitely the way to go.

Thanks fellows. Do those plastic rivets work in a standard rivet gun? Can one get those plastic rivets at any hardware store? Is there a size specification?

[This message has been edited by Michael D. James (edited 10-06-2008).]

You can get aluminum pop rivets (used for aluminum gutters on houses). You can even get them painted different colors. Might be a good balance between strength, rust resistance and price.

To Firebird 68: Dodgerunner said the aluminum rivets are not a good idea due to corrosion. I have aluminum pop rivets and a rivet gun, but I have never used plastic pop rivets, so I know nothing about them.

[This message has been edited by Michael D. James (edited 10-06-2008).]

I just prefer not to use th AL ones. A personel choice. I see cars with them all the time. Have replaced a lot of them.
For the plastic it takes a larger hole in the gun. I modified mine to work with them... You can buy the tools for around $15.

Guys,

I went with the rivnuts everywhere on the rockers, except along the bottom. I am using 1/4"-20 stainless button heads for this. Once I got the hang of installing the rivnuts I am hooked That thing is cool.

SJMAYE: What is a rivet nut, and what is a button head?

[This message has been edited by Michael D. James (edited 10-07-2008).]

Rivet nut. A nut that installs like a rivet. From northerntool catalog



Surebonder Threaded Insert Tool
Sets 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, and 1/4-20 sized rivets. Basically this sets a threaded shell in the sheet metal.

This allows you to thread a screw in in replacement of a rivet.

Also available a little cheaper at Harbor freight.

Nice change from fighting those aluminum rivets and you can easily take apart again.

As for a button head bolt:

quote Originally posted by sjmaye: Rivet nut. A nut that installs like a rivet. From northerntool catalog Surebonder Threaded Insert Tool Sets 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, and 1/4-20 sized rivets. Basically this sets a threaded shell in the sheet metal. This allows you to thread a screw in in replacement of a rivet. Also available a little cheaper at Harbor freight. Nice change from fighting those aluminum rivets and you can easily take apart again. As for a button head bolt:

Great idea!

Where did you find the inserts themselves? Northern doesn't sell them only the tool correct?

Thanks fellows for all the hints, etc. Sorry I'm late to respond, but I've been two weeks recuperating after having four stints installed in the old ticker, after attending the NW Fiero Fest in Richland, WA. Had a wonderfrul time at the show and following rally, but the folllowing Monday, I had to check into the hospital with angina pain, and the rest is history. I loved the drive down there fom Lynden WA on the 7th and the drive back on the 22nd (today). My Fiero is running great...got 32mpg going down and 30 coming back. I know I'll do better when I get the timing on better.

Need to get busy fixing my rocker panels now that I've got all your info. Thanks again!

Hope you feel better.

Harbor Freight has the correct plastic rivets and tool, not very expensive. IF the rivets crack as some of mine did, heat them before installing with a heat gun.
sparx22

Thanks. It's kinda funny. I was having angina pains all through the show, but just popped nitro tabs and kept going and having fun. Now that's dedication...or maybe stupidity... whichever comes first...lol! I don't recommend it to anyone believe me! If you feel pains in your chest, and down your arms (no matter how miled), get the hell into the hospital, even if it does mean missing a Fiero show!!! There's always another show...better to miss one than miss them all!!!