Getting rid of floor rattle/vibration - help please

[indoman]

A number of the factory rivets have either loosened or had the heads pop off so the floor in my semi-v vibrates/rattles obnoxiously at certain speeds. Other than drilling pilot holes then screwing in some stainless sheet metal screws w/finish washers into the ribs, does anyone have a idea on how to fix this issue?

Thanks

 

[Colbyt]

Can you not replace the missing rivets and drill out and replace the loose ones?

 

[indoman]

I've drilled out one of the rivets and put the screw/washer in.

Excuse the dumb question but.... don't I need to be able to buck the rivet on the bottom side? Not sure how I'd get at that side since it's inside the rib. ??

 

[Zum]

Not all rivets are bucked,some you just use a gun

 

[Colbyt]

indoman » Today, 18:15[/url]"]I've drilled out one of the rivets and put the screw/washer in.

Excuse the dumb question but.... don't I need to be able to buck the rivet on the bottom side? Not sure how I'd get at that side since it's inside the rib. ??

Can't see your size from here but pop rivets are available in many sizes. I think my little kit only does up to 3/16" but bigger ones are an option. You insert the rivet into the hole and pump the handle. Out pops what look like a headless nail (trash).

You want pictures?

 

[indoman]

I figured the screws would be less likely to loosen. I didn't think of the obvious - i.e. just putting in another rivet.

I have access to a pop rivet gun and may try that if the screws don't work.

Thanks.

 

[acabtp]

a rivet will be much stronger than a screw in sheet metal like that. rivets are cheaper than SS screw and washers also.

if you've already got the gun, just pick up a pack of all aluminum rivets for a 1.79 at lowes.

 

[PSG-1]

Drill out the rivet and replace with a larger one if necessary. A sheet metal screw will eventually loosen up or strip out over time.

Most factory boats use 3/16 rivets, and that's generally the maximum rivet size for a rivet gun you buy at Lowes or Home Depot. You can buy a rivet gun that will do 1/4" rivets at harbor Freight Tools for about 20 dollars. I bought one, and I've been slowly but surely changing out all the rivets in the floor of my jetboat to 1/4"

 

[indoman]

Thanks.

...I'll be trying the rivets this weekend.