I have watched quite a few of your videos nice to see. I just damaged my 1974 Airstream Overlander so would like a few suggestions. How about a rivet removal tool? Side panel just behind door got bent hoping to straighten it after I pull inner skin from that arear? I wonder if that is possible without replacing the whole pannel?
There are 2 different types of rivets that go in Airstreams. Buck rivets and pop rivets. The buck or solid rivets take a rivet gun and bucking bar to drive the rivet from the front and back side of it. These type of rivets are structural for external holding. Pop rivets have a shank that is pulled by the rivet gun which expands the back side of the rivet creating the holding pressure. They are 2 very different types and, yes essentially you need both if you are doing a full renovation. Now if you are not pulling interior skins, doing a shell lift or have access to the backside of the exterior panels the buck rivet gun is not necessary.
You are welcome! No, it is only for pop type rivets. You need the air gun specific to buck rivets and a bucking bar. I have a video on the equipment and process.
Another valuable video, a keeper! Thanks Ian...
Thanks Mark!
I have watched quite a few of your videos nice to see. I just damaged my 1974 Airstream Overlander so would like a few suggestions. How about a rivet removal tool? Side panel just behind door got bent hoping to straighten it after I pull inner skin from that arear? I wonder if that is possible without replacing the whole pannel?
I just ordered the Makita Nibbler! Super excited to try it out!!! Thanks for posting these tips Ian! Super helpful!!!
I've settled on the Ryobi Brushless and the M12 for most of my tools as well :) Good video!
Agreed, thanks!
So we need two rivet guns? If we are just doing one airstream what should we get to be cost effective.
There are 2 different types of rivets that go in Airstreams. Buck rivets and pop rivets. The buck or solid rivets take a rivet gun and bucking bar to drive the rivet from the front and back side of it. These type of rivets are structural for external holding. Pop rivets have a shank that is pulled by the rivet gun which expands the back side of the rivet creating the holding pressure. They are 2 very different types and, yes essentially you need both if you are doing a full renovation. Now if you are not pulling interior skins, doing a shell lift or have access to the backside of the exterior panels the buck rivet gun is not necessary.
Helpful, thanks. Does the cordless Rivet gun work on buck rivets too?
You are welcome! No, it is only for pop type rivets. You need the air gun specific to buck rivets and a bucking bar. I have a video on the equipment and process.
You need to collect your thoughts before you hit the “Rec” button - this should have been a 6 min video, not 15. It was torture to watch.