Engine Grille Rivets - the exact type!

[SM911]

I've got a couple of LWB engine grilles to refurbish, and I've had no end of trouble getting the correct rivet for them. Right now I'm using a 'solution' that is good from far (far from good).

Has anyone sourced rivets that are virtually the same as the factory ones? There have been numerous posts about rivets where posters say 'yeah you can buy the rivets from Blah de Blah & Co', but nobody actually specifies what they are called (ie. their technical name) and what dimensions they are. I'm trying to get this info so that I can potentially contact a supplier in the US and order some for shipping to Australia.

I have tried numerous fastener suppliers, and they all say, 'nah mate, that's a bit specialised for us'.

Any help is appreciated...

[blucille]

Contact Shaun at tru6, I believe he ended up making his own

[SM911]

Thanks for the heads up sonett43. I contacted Shaun, and unfortunately he is not willing to sell his rivets.
My takeaway was that he has spent a large amount of time perfecting his craft and tooling, and wasn't willing to 'give away' (my word's not his) his hard work/IP. Each to their own.

Has anybody else got any advice about who or where to go for good rivets? Surely somebody out there has found something that is a very close solution!

[Bobs 67S]

Talk to your saddle and tack shop these items have been used for leather work. They come in differing lengths so have a grip length in mind prior to ordering.

Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets Small Nickel 100/pk 1371-12 on Amazon in 4mm, 6 mm and 8mm.

[70SATMan]

Talk to your saddle and tack shop these items have been used for leather work. They come in differing lengths so have a grip length in mind prior to ordering.

Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets Small Nickel 100/pk 1371-12 on Amazon in 4mm, 6 mm and 8mm.

Going to have to disagree with ya Bob. I wouldn't suggest those and this coming from a long time Tandy buyer here. Those rivets are hollow, two piece. The rivets used on the grills are solid alum and pressed/peened.

[718RSK]

Will the DIN 660 rivets work?

[SM911]

Thanks guys. I used those two piece double cap rivets just last month, and while they work, the rivet head became deformed, which was not the finish I wanted. Perhaps with the right tooling it could be done better but I agree that solid rivets are preferable.

718RSK - thanks for your input on DIN 660 rivets. After I looked at images of DIN 660 rivets, it looks like they're potentially a great solution, provided the dome top can be flat enough to match the original factory versions.

Has anybody used these rivets to achieve a 'factory finish' on their grille?