Rivets, rivets and more rivets! Sheesh!

[todo_brane_ded]

I just bought my first cart ('08 PDS) yesterday and have already pulled the body for painting (it's currently that crappy Hunter Green color, oh, oh..and my apologies to all that have a cart of this color and like it, LOL.....to each his own I say....

Anyway, there's a series of rivets around the dash that I've removed but really don't want to replace in the same way. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas or has done something other than pop-rivet it back in place?

I think the automotive u-clip type threaded fasteners might work on the front cowl lip but haven't tried it yet. Anyone use these things in this application?

I want access behind the dash area in the future......

[NickS]

Yeah, I was wondering about maybe doing something different, but wound up putting the rivets back in there. I was thinking about maybe putting the black push rivets (like around the bag liner) up there, but wasn't sure if it would hold...

[Superman51]

Hey guys, here is an Idea I used. Since the two front top support post does most of the stabilizing on the front cowl, I used HD plastic push rivets on the dash. I got them at Lowes and they are the ¼ push rivets. I can easily insert/remove them to access anything behind the dash, since I have lots of wiring!

[todo_brane_ded]

Originally Posted by Superman51

Hey guys, here is an Idea I used. Since the two front top support post does most of the stabilizing on the front cowl, I used HD plastic push rivets on the dash. I got them at Lowes and they are the ¼ push rivets. I can easily insert/remove them to access anything behind the dash, since I have lots of wiring!

Good idea Superman...Where in Lowes? Hardware department and located in their special fasteners bins?

[gornoman]

The nice part about using the OEM rivets is they hold real tight and eliminate the squeaking and moaning of the parts flexing or twisting. I agree, they are a PITA.

[ETpilot]

I don't know too much about these carts as I was given a 3 wheeler recently and am learning. A rivnut/nutsert may work. You press them in the rivet hole and squeeze the tool. This sets them in the hole. It sets sort of like a rivet. Then you use the appropriate screw for them. They come in different sizes.

Here is a picture. Nut serts

Most of the tool retailers should have them. You need the tool to squeeze them. The tool is just like a rivet sqeezer. Harbor Freight sells them but the quality is not the best. Yet, it is not seen. You only see the screw head.

[Superman51]

Yes, they are in the hardware department. I think they were in the special parts section. The part number to look for is 881208. Here is a pic of the packaging. They fit really great and hold a tight secure seal. No squeaking at all as long as you have your front roof supports on also. I would not recommend them only to hold your front cowl on. Good luck.

[aussiecart]

Originally Posted by gornoman

The nice part about using the OEM rivets is they hold real tight and eliminate the squeaking and moaning of the parts flexing or twisting. I agree, they are a PITA.

I am with you gorno, they are a PITA but no squeaks or rattles, nice and tight just as I like it

[OU4LIFE]

Originally Posted by ETpilot

I don't know too much about these carts as I was given a 3 wheeler recently and am learning. A rivnut/nutsert may work. You press them in the rivet hole and squeeze the tool. This sets them in the hole. It sets sort of like a rivet. Then you use the appropriate screw for them. They come in different sizes.

Here is a picture. Nut serts

Most of the tool retailers should have them. You need the tool to squeeze them. The tool is just like a rivet sqeezer. Harbor Freight sells them but the quality is not the best. Yet, it is not seen. You only see the screw head.

those look fantastic, and got me to looking.

new vs used nutsert.


I'm thinking that is the perfect solution to the rivet. Should be very tight and no rattle, while allowing easy removal and you can choose from a variety of head styles to suit your taste.

Thanks very much dude.

[todo_brane_ded]

Originally Posted by OU4LIFE

those look fantastic, and got me to looking.

new vs used nutsert.


I'm thinking that is the perfect solution to the rivet. Should be very tight and no rattle, while allowing easy removal and you can choose from a variety of head styles to suit your taste.

Thanks very much dude.

All good ideas so far.....I would think that the Nutsert has potential where there's a metal backing to insert it. The cowl is plastic however and I'm not sure if they'd cinch up tight given the thickness (or the thiness) of the plastic lip.

I was at Harbor yesterday and was looking for the nutserts and a tool but didn't find it at my local store...
I'll have to look online to see what they have available.