Understanding Plastic Body Rivets
Plastic body rivets are a common type of fastener used in automotive applications, particularly for attaching body panels and trim pieces. They are typically made of a durable, impact-resistant plastic and are designed to be reusable.
Tools Needed for Removal
Removing plastic body rivets requires a few specialized tools to ensure a smooth and damage-free process. These tools are readily available at most automotive supply stores or online retailers⁚
- Rivet Tool⁚ This tool is specifically designed for removing plastic body rivets. It typically consists of a handle with a hollow center and a removable pin or punch. The pin fits inside the rivet head, allowing you to push the rivet out from the panel.
- Pliers⁚ A pair of pliers, preferably with needle-nose tips, can be helpful for gripping the rivet head and providing additional leverage during removal. However, use caution to avoid damaging the surrounding panel.
- Screwdriver⁚ A flat-head screwdriver can be used as an alternative to a rivet tool, particularly for rivets with a larger head. Insert the screwdriver blade between the rivet head and the panel, gently pry the head up, and then remove the rivet body.
- Hammer⁚ A small hammer can be used in conjunction with the rivet tool or screwdriver to provide additional force when removing stubborn rivets. However, exercise caution to avoid damaging the panel or surrounding components.
- Protective Gear⁚ Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris during the removal process. Gloves can also be helpful for providing a better grip and preventing cuts or scratches.
Having these tools on hand will make the rivet removal process much easier and less prone to damage. Always choose the appropriate tool for the specific rivet type and ensure you have a secure grip before applying force.
Steps for Removing Plastic Body Rivets
Removing plastic body rivets is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to avoid damaging the surrounding panel or the rivet itself. Here are the basic steps involved⁚
3.1. Locate the Rivet
Before you begin the removal process, it’s crucial to accurately locate the rivet. Plastic body rivets are often used in areas where access might be limited, so you’ll need to carefully inspect the area where the rivet is situated. Here’s how you can locate the rivet⁚
- Visual Inspection⁚ Start by visually inspecting the area where the rivet is located. Look for a small, round or oval-shaped protrusion that typically has a slightly raised center. This is the rivet head. Pay attention to the surrounding panel for any signs of damage or previous attempts to remove the rivet.
- Touch and Feel⁚ Gently run your fingers along the area to feel for the rivet head. It will usually feel slightly raised and may have a slightly rough texture. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure, as you could damage the rivet or the surrounding panel.
- Use a Light⁚ If you’re having difficulty visually identifying the rivet, use a flashlight or a work light to illuminate the area. This can help you to better see the rivet head and its surrounding details.
- Utilize a Tool⁚ If you’re still struggling to find the rivet, you can use a small, flat-bladed tool, like a screwdriver or a putty knife, to gently probe around the area. Be extremely careful not to apply excessive pressure or force, as this could damage the rivet or the surrounding panel.
- Consult a Repair Manual⁚ If you’re working on a specific model of vehicle, consult a repair manual or online resources to see if there are diagrams or instructions that show the locations of the plastic body rivets.
Once you’ve successfully located the rivet, you can proceed to the next step of removing it.
3.2. Remove the Rivet Head
Removing the rivet head is the first step in extracting a plastic body rivet. This process involves carefully detaching the head from the rivet body, allowing you to access the fastener for removal. Here’s how to remove the rivet head⁚
- Use a Rivet Tool⁚ The most effective method is to use a dedicated rivet tool, often called a “rivet remover” or a “rivet gun.” These tools are specifically designed to remove rivet heads without damaging the surrounding panel. They typically consist of a punch-like tip that fits into the center of the rivet head and a lever or handle that applies pressure to detach the head.
- Alternative Tools⁚ If you don’t have a dedicated rivet tool, you can use alternative tools like a small flat-blade screwdriver, a putty knife, or a pair of pliers. However, use these tools with extreme caution as they can easily damage the surrounding panel if not used properly.
- Apply Pressure⁚ Position the tip of your chosen tool (rivet tool, screwdriver, etc.) in the center of the rivet head. Apply gentle but firm pressure in a downward direction. As you apply pressure, you’ll feel the rivet head start to detach from the rivet body. Continue applying pressure until the rivet head completely separates from the rivet body.
- Avoid Force⁚ It’s crucial to avoid using excessive force when removing the rivet head. If the head is proving difficult to remove, try repositioning the tool or using a different tool. Forcing the rivet head can damage the surrounding panel or the rivet itself, making removal more challenging.
- Protect the Panel⁚ If you’re using alternative tools, place a piece of soft material, like a cloth or cardboard, underneath the rivet head to protect the panel from scratches or dents. This will help to prevent damage to the surrounding area.
Once the rivet head is successfully removed, you can proceed to the next step, which is removing the rivet body.
3.3. Remove the Rivet Body
Once you’ve successfully removed the rivet head, you can proceed to extract the remaining rivet body. This step involves carefully detaching the rivet body from the panel while minimizing the risk of damage to the surrounding area. Here’s how to remove the rivet body⁚
- Use a Pliers or a Tool⁚ With the rivet head removed, you can use a pair of pliers or a dedicated rivet removal tool to grip the rivet body. Make sure you have a good grip on the body before applying any force.
- Twist and Pull⁚ Gently twist the rivet body back and forth while pulling it out of the panel. The twisting motion helps to break the rivet’s grip on the panel and makes removal easier.
- Avoid Force⁚ Be cautious not to use excessive force when pulling the rivet body. If it’s proving difficult to remove, try repositioning your grip or using a different tool. Forcing the rivet body can damage the panel or cause the rivet to break, making removal more challenging.
- Check for Breakage⁚ As you pull the rivet body, check for any signs of breakage or cracking. If the rivet body starts to break, stop pulling immediately. You may need to use a different tool or a different method to remove the remaining piece.
- Protect the Panel⁚ If you’re using pliers or a tool that could potentially damage the panel, place a piece of soft material, like a cloth or cardboard, underneath the rivet body to protect the panel from scratches or dents. This will help to prevent damage to the surrounding area.
Once the rivet body is completely removed, you can inspect the panel for any damage. If there are any minor scratches or dents, you can try to repair them using a touch-up pen or a small amount of filler.
Replacing Plastic Body Rivets
After successfully removing the old rivet, you’ll need to replace it with a new one to ensure a secure and lasting connection. Replacing plastic body rivets is a straightforward process that involves inserting the new rivet into the hole and then securing it using a tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing plastic body rivets⁚
- Choose the Right Rivet⁚ Select a new plastic body rivet that matches the size and type of the original rivet. It’s important to use a rivet that is compatible with the panel and the hole size to ensure a proper fit.
- Clean the Hole⁚ Before inserting the new rivet, clean the hole thoroughly using a small brush or a compressed air source to remove any debris or rust. This will ensure a clean and secure fit for the new rivet.
- Insert the Rivet⁚ Carefully insert the new rivet into the hole, making sure it sits flush with the panel surface. It’s helpful to use a tool, like a rivet setting tool or a screwdriver, to gently push the rivet into place.
- Secure the Rivet⁚ Once the rivet is inserted, use a rivet tool or a suitable alternative to secure the rivet head. This involves pressing down on the rivet head to expand the rivet body and create a secure connection.
- Apply Even Pressure⁚ When securing the rivet, ensure that you apply even pressure across the rivet head to avoid damaging the panel. If you’re using a rivet tool, make sure it’s properly aligned with the rivet head before applying pressure.
- Check for Tightness⁚ After securing the rivet, check its tightness by gently pulling on the panel or trim piece. If the rivet feels loose, you may need to tighten it further using the rivet tool.
- Inspect for Damage⁚ Finally, inspect the panel and the surrounding area for any damage caused during the rivet replacement process. If you notice any scratches or dents, you can try to repair them using a touch-up pen or a small amount of filler.
By following these steps, you can effectively replace plastic body rivets and ensure a secure and lasting repair for your vehicle’s body panels and trim pieces.