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Rivets?

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Old 05-28-2018, 08:58 AM
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Car: 1984 Firebird S/E
Engine: 1985 2.8 MPFI
Transmission: 1985 T5 5 speed manual
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.03
Rivets?
Is there any reason ASC riveted the side rocker reinforcement and not spot welded them?

I would like facts as opposed to guesses on this one as I have to take it all off and put them back on once over repaired the floors and my family will be travelling in this car!

Thanks in advance!
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Old 05-28-2018, 09:53 AM
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Car: 86 Firebird
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Re: Rivets?
Not that I know of I would weld them.
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Old 05-28-2018, 10:59 AM
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Car: 1984 Firebird S/E
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Re: Rivets?
Originally Posted by mmadden55
Not that I know of I would weld them.
I’m wondering whether the frame needed to flex for some reason? In the original plans they’re rivets so it’s jot an aftermarket thing, it’s how they were built!

I was was planning to plug weldthem back on.
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Old 05-28-2018, 11:03 AM
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Car: 86 Firebird
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Re: Rivets?
Sounds good to me.
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Old 06-26-2018, 01:52 PM
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
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Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Rivets?
Cost & Speed of conversion was probably why they riveted them. Less welding, means less repainting, lower chance of factory fire etc..

I believe the channels are actually made from Aluminum, (I am not sure if you can weld aluminum to Steel) This was probably done to save weight. I have never checked them with a magnet tho.

John
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Old 06-27-2018, 03:52 AM
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Car: 1984 Firebird S/E
Engine: 1985 2.8 MPFI
Transmission: 1985 T5 5 speed manual
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.03
Re: Rivets?
I can see that! Probably better to use the quickest low risk materials and fixings.

Theyre definitely all steel, everything is welded at the ends. But the rivets are aluminium.
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Old 07-11-2018, 05:00 PM
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Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
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Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Rivets?
I added the Spohn SFC kit for convertibles. Huge improvement in stiffness.
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Old 09-27-2018, 01:06 PM
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Car: 1984 Firebird S/E
Engine: 1985 2.8 MPFI
Transmission: 1985 T5 5 speed manual
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.03
Re: Rivets?
Originally Posted by okfoz
Cost & Speed of conversion was probably why they riveted them. Less welding, means less repainting, lower chance of factory fire etc..

I believe the channels are actually made from Aluminum, (I am not sure if you can weld aluminum to Steel) This was probably done to save weight. I have never checked them with a magnet tho.

John
Nothing on the vert is aluminium except the filler piece for the front header panel and he rivets! Its all spot welded, seam welded and aluminium riveted.
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Old 10-01-2018, 01:39 PM
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Rivets?
Originally Posted by knightinblackar
Nothing on the vert is aluminium except the filler piece for the front header panel and he rivets! Its all spot welded, seam welded and aluminium riveted.
Indeed you are correct, I looked at my 89 while on a lift, and it does appear that the frame connectors are indeed steel. The Rivets are aluminum...

John
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