Rivet for lower hood latch?

Bill S.

Guys,

I am learning so much from the SOC site. The more I learn, the more I realize I need to spend more time and money to get my car right. After reading Gordon's thread on his winter project last year, I realize I would benefit from installing a bar to limit frame flex and a Gene Berg transmission support.

Here is a smaller item that i would like to fix. I spent about a 1/2 hour on the web looking for the bolt to secure my hood latch. The fastener was missing when I bought the car. Finally, I went to the garage and jacked the front of my car up and took a better look and a couple of pictures. I believe these fasteners are rivets. Does anyone know where I can purchase these rivets? I have included a couple of photos. Thanks for sharing!

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8/30/157:22 AM

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WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

Lowes/HD or Fasenal should have 1/4" head aluminum rivets. You'll need a pop rivet gun that has removeable head for the larger mandrel though. I'd get flat stainless steels screws with philips heads and replace all with them (use washer, lockwasher, nuts on back). For a more show look go with SS button head screws.

8/30/157:45 AM

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Gordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member

We used to use rivets like that on parts of some computer cabinets, and they were installed with a Big-A$$, pneumatic rivet gun - way bigger and more powerful than something you would have at home, so it's doubtful you could re-install a rivet of that size at home.

I like Wolfgang's suggestion of the stainless steel button-head bolts (great picture, too!). They are available in a bunch of sizes, one of which should fit the existing hole, and look like factory installed when done.

8/30/159:08 AM

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Bill S.

Wolfgang and Gordon,

Thanks for your feedback. I like Wolgang's suggestion as well. Do you think my best bet is to drill out the rivets with a small drill? That's my plan for now. I will be buying button head screws shortly. Thanks Wolfang for the great picture. I had never heard the term "button head" screws before. I like the look.

Originally Posted by Gordon Nichols - Massachusetts 1993 CMC:

8/30/1510:00 AM

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justinh

Yes, you can drill through the rivet head. You only need to go through far enough to pop the head off then you can just punch the rest of it out.

8/30/1511:50 AM

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WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

I came across them when I wanted to upgrade the chewed up slotted screws on the engine cooling tin. I found a complete set on SAMBA (I'm sure Fastenal has them in big bags but didn't even try there). A set for engine is $15 delivered. I found them easy to install too with an allen wrench (vs screw driver or 10 mm wrench)

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/cla...detail.php?id=823722