K-Frame Splash Shield fasteners - - what the heck?

[bull]

Is there a way to get these fasteners out short of total destruction? I'm attempting to remove these splash shields so I can clean them and the frame rail up and reassemble it all eventually but I'm not seeing how to remove these rivets (if that's what they are) without destroying them. I actually wouldn't mind destroying them if I could get new ones so maybe a better question would be where do I get new ones? I see megaparts has a replacement set but why spend $70 to get $2 worth of fasteners? It's odd that I can remove the entire K-frame/suspension assembly without much trouble but can't get these stupid things out without starting a thread.

http://www.megapartsusa.com/proddetail.asp?prod=102%2D668%2D9

[Winged 1]

 
I used a small grinder to get mine out. After I was all done with the rails, I tapped and threaded in a bolt with a washer.  Some will scoff the idea but it looks good and will be easy to remove if need be in the future.
Best of luck,
Eric

[maxwellwedge]

I always drill 'em out - You should be able to find similar rivets to re-attach. Some cars use screws or a screw and rivet combo.

[bull]

Maybe I'll just use some plastic rivets.

[Chatt69chgr]

They are riveted in on my 69.  aluminum rivets.  But I have seen earlier year B-bodys where they were bolted in.  They are kind of expensive so I would make sure they are secured.  Wouldn't want you to have to buy new ones.

[John_Kunkel]

Here's a pic of the splash shield installation.

[bull]

Oh, thanks. Is that picture in the service manual?

[grizzlygiff]

Bill Allphin at A+MHITECHAUTO.com has those fasteners on his website for a buck a piece.

[bull]

Bill Allphin at A+MHITECHAUTO.com has those fasteners on his website for a buck a piece.

Thanks.

[gtx6970]

just use a sharp 5/16" drill bit to remove them

http://amhightechauto.com/images/parts/K19051.jpg

[maxwellwedge]

They are riveted in on my 69.  aluminum rivets.  But I have seen earlier year B-bodys where they were bolted in.  They are kind of expensive so I would make sure they are secured.  Wouldn't want you to have to buy new ones.

Yup - My early build '69 X uses 4 bolts/screws. My later 69 built stuff has rivets - but I have seen original cars with a mixture of both - 69 and 70.

[bull]

Kind of odd about the early/late thing since mine is a Jan. 68 car and it's got rivets. Seems to me that they're just a large-head rivet, right? Nothing special other than that?

[maxwellwedge]

I don't think it was an early late thing - just that it was the way the chips fell on my stuff.

[tan top]

mine were riveted originally   SPD of November the 22nd
but bolted mine back on after ! 

[John_Kunkel]

I don't think it was an early late thing - just that it was the way the chips fell on my stuff.

Or it was a plant thing, one plant screwed while the other plant riveted.