Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

[dls322]

Hi Guys,

My 1990 bayliner capri BR has some missing snaps on the winshield frame. I looked and the old ones were rivoted directly onto the frame. I went to the boat shop and they gave me some replacements. Question: Has anyone done this before? Any tips? I don't want the "pop" of the rivot gun to shatter the windshield.
I know some boats have a "track" that the snaps go onto, this boat has the snaps directly on the aluminum frame. The guy at the shop said to be very careful drilling it out because if i drill into the windshiled it will shatter.....kinda worried.

Thanks!!!!

 

[rbh]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

I would just be careful when I drill off the old rivet shoulders, then push them into the frame and attach the new snaps.

 

[Thad]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

I am having a problem envisioning the glass being that far up in the frame. Should be filled with the glass seating foam/sealant.

But, if the glass is all the way into the frame where you need to drill, try this;

Use a drill bit that is NO BIGGER than what you need to drill out. Tape the depth you need to get to to remove the old rivet. You should be able to determine this by the new ones. Start on the conservative side, you can always retape to get a little deeper if need be.

As for putting the new rivets in, the "pop" should not be any where near enough shock to do any damage. On a side not, electric or neumatic guns do not have the build up "pop". If you can locate one some where.

And then there is always the option to take it to a body and glass shop and let them do it.

Good luck.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

How about a small self-tapping stainless steel sheet metal screw, then you can take it very slow and easy. Windshields for boats can be expensive!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

The pop is mainly an outward force anyway, not towards the windshield. There won't likely be any issues from using the pop rivets.

 

[dls322]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

Great suggestions from all.....i'm going to give it a go tonight....If i can bear the heat and humidity, i swear if it was possible it would be 150% humidity.

Thanks!!!

 

[seabob4]

Re: Rivot Snaps on the Windshield Frame...OK to do?

The upper portion of the windshield frame is well above the glass. The glass has to have room to move about in the frame due to the inherant nature of boats underway to move and flex. You'll be fine with your pop rivet gun...