Hey guys. Anybody know what size/type of rivets GM used to hold all the door guts (power door lock motor, window motor & regulator, etc)? I bought a rivet gun and a selection of rivets since I am rebuilding both my doors, however the biggest rivet I have (3/16th) is too small for the holes for the door lock motor. The ones GM used have almost a threaded looking rod on them, and they are much bigger. I'd like to do this right as I am restoring the car so any help would be much appreciated!

I checked a few local places as well and 3/16th seems to be the biggest rivet size I can find.

 

Body shops would have the info you need. They are not common rivets and you're not likely to find them just anywhere. Try the dealer as well. You'll need a larger rivet gun too.

 

Yea thats what I was affraid of. I know I could use a small bolt and nut but I'd rather stay away from that and do it correctly like the factory would have. I'll be making a trip to the dealership tomorrow so I can ask them if they can get the rivets I need. Until then, any other info is appreciated.

 

They are special rivets so they aren't available at your normal hardware-type stores. Body shops may have them, but a dealership is going to be your best bet as mentioned above.

Any particular reason for using the rivets instead of a few bolts and nuts? I had to replace the window motor in my driver's door a couple years ago and I just used some bolts to hold it in place. Hasn't given me any problems, and I'm 99% sure that even the shop manual I have recommends using bolts instead of rivets when replacing the motors.

 

I learned that the hardway when one of the interior handles on my doors broke and had to replace it.

NO-ONE had the rivets. Iended up getting a low profile bolt, and bolting the handle back on. I looked all over for 2 days.

 

Only reason for wanting rivets is because I'm replacing everything. I'd prob end up using 20 nuts and bolts on each side and having to get back there and hold a wrench on each one sounds like it could be bad. Plus I don't want anything coming loose. A rivet will never come loose....a bolt and nut may at some point. Plus, not that it makes a whole lot of difference, but rivets ARE a tad lighter in the end, haha.

 

We get our rivets from NAPA. The rivet gun for them is the size of a set of bolt cutters. They're really not that unusual. Every GM car for 30 years has them.

 

THANK YOU for that info. I tried autozone and advance...didn't think of napa though. I will try them tomorrow. Any specific name or size they are known as?

 

They are body rivets. As far as I know, they only come in one size. NAPA has them because they are a body repair supplier.

 

Well I will definately give them a shot then. Thanks again for the info!

 

also try eastwood company , or summit

 

They are 1/4 inch rivets. They should be available at your auto paint supply store or some parts stores. Sometimes they will call then regulator rivets. Be sure to get the split style, they spread like a flower. You will need a Big Daddy type rivet gun. Bolts and nuts will work if you can get to them. I prefer rivets as they are easier to install and I have the gun needed.

 

I think these may be what you are looking for:
http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/1_4...pas4007-25.htm

 

1/4" peel-type rivet, and a corresponding gun. You can get them at real parts stores, and real hardware stores.

 

I checked with napa and am pretty sure they have the rivets and gun I need (and they are 1/4 inch....actually called regulator rivets, lol). I should be getting them in the next few days. Thanks again guys!

 

Also the "rivet gun" to install these 1/4 rivets isn't your ordinary tool either!
Not to mention pricey too! Check your local auto body supply jobber.