how do the lower rockers rivet to the steel chassis on a 1988 gt? should they be the plastic rivets or the metal ones? the upper ones on the rocker are metal for sure, but have seen the lower rockers mounted both ways, what do you all suggest?

We have had our 88GT since the early 90's and they are plastic along the bottom (and as far as I know they have never been taken off) - metal under the door sill tabs.

Every one I've ever removed were aluminum.

I would go with plastic. Easier to remove it need be.

quote Originally posted by Thunderstruck GT: Every one I've ever removed were aluminum.

Same here.

When I re-install rockers, I use bolts instead of rivets along the bottom. Good write-up on rocker re & re in This thread.

My '87 SE had plastic rivets along the bottom. Maybe the '88 is different?

In any case, I don't like having body panels attached with rivets. I installed threaded inserts in the chassis, so I could bolt on the rocker panels. Removing and installing them is quick and easy, using a cordless drill.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 03-28-2016).]

I use plastic rivets but I have also used zip ties.

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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-08-2018).]

I used plastic rivets-easier to remove

Same as Patrick, I used bolts. I found large head stainless steel bolts to mount rocker covers. Easy on, easy off.

When I had my 87GT repainted, it had aluminum rivets under the sill tabs, along the bottom edge of the rocker panel, and holding both quarter trim pieces. All had to be drilled out.

Currently I'm replacing a rocker and rear quarter trim on an 86SE. The quarter trim and most of the rocker were ripped off when a friend bellied out on the shoulder of the roadway when the rear knuckle broke. I'm drilling out aluminum rivets in all attachment points in order to get the remaining pieces of plastic off the vehicle to allow reinstallation of the aero trim pieces.

I just picked up a box of rivets at Fastenal. They're made by Marson. Listed as SB8-6KL #868. 1/4" Dia. Klik-Lok Rivet with a grip range of .080"-.375". They are identical to the rivets that were in The Fiero Store Rocker Panel Fastener Kit, except these are steel instead of aluminum. A thin flat washer can be added in areas where the lower body flange has been enlarged, if needed.

You will need a large industrial rivet gun. Most home use rivet guns aren't large enough to accept the mandrel.

They also have the black nylon pop rivets that come in some of The Fiero Store kits. I've found a need to have more than what comes in TFS kits because the mandrell tends to snap off before the rivet is set. Not a fault of TFS rivets, it just seems to be the nature of nylon rivets.

[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 03-30-2016).]

quote Originally posted by fierofool: You will need a large industrial rivet gun. Most home use rivet guns aren't large enough to accept the mandrel.

I borrowed ThaDrivers big rivet gun to do the install. I got about 5 of the rivets installed and the gun broke. Shattered the body where one of the gear shafts passes through the body. These are tough babies.

Well! Off to buy ThaDriver a new rivet gun.