Pop rivets for top case

[Motorhobo]

One of the pop rivets that join the metal hinge assembly to the plastic box at the rear of the OEM top case has failed. I need to fix that pop rivet and would like to put another 4 rivets in there for good measure. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced pop riveter? HF has several options but we all know its hot or miss there and I'd prefer to hit than miss.

Alternatively I could just use screws, washers and nylok nuts but rivets look nicer.

Thanks...

Van

[subforry]

The tool is simple, so any should work.  I have a cheap one from somewhere that has different sized dies(?) for different diameter rivets.  That is nice feature.  You might want to check the hardware store (local or big box) and look for a starter kit with tool and rivets.
I think the hard part will be finding black rivets to match the existing ones.  I expect the rivets on the case are aluminum.

[K75RT Keith]

I'd suggest if you go HF to get the one with interchangeable tips for different size rivets.  If you're not going to be using it on a daily basis any of the inexpensive ones will work.  HF may have a lifetime warranty so if it fails you'd atleast get it replaced

[Bob_VT]

I have done allot of riveting with a pop rivet gun.  I have a MAC tool one with a head that also rotates. Just about any pop riveter will work however...... be absolutely certain that you get a washer that fits the pop rivet.  The washer is installed on the inside and will provide a much stronger rivet bond. If you are looking for waterproof you can also install a neoprene washer on the outside too.

Google pop rivet washer and you will see them in the images.

[Chaos]

I used 1/8th" rivits, forget the length but probably about 5/16th or 1/2".  Use washers on the mushrooming side.

[Motorhobo]

Thanks -- buddy of mine has the pop rivet tools so I'll see what he's got. Has anyone tried to fix the rivets on the top case, add new ones or redesign the hinge assembly that holds the lid on? I replaced with metal lid retaining bracket thingy with a beefier one out of heavier metal stock a la frankenduck and now have to deal with the hinge assembly's missing rivets. The thing's nearly 15 years old and has had the damned top fly open at speed I don't know how many times because the *^&*% latch faces forward and wasn't locked.

Yes, I could blame myself but what kind of moron designs a latch with no safety that points into the airflow anyway?

[Scott_]

Ok, I've got to ask, are you working with the smaller 22L top case?
I don't recall any rivets on the hinges of the large 35L top cases(lid retaining strap mounts are riveted though).

[Chaos]

Has anyone tried to fix the rivets on the top case, add new ones or redesign the hinge assembly that holds the lid on?
... what kind of moron designs a latch with no safety that points into the airflow anyway?

The lid-latch on the 22l box was a major engineering brain fart, imho. I reversed the hinge side on mine after the newness wore off. No key lock but I never lock it anyway, hasp latch gives it a nice ratbike look.  Need to tighten up the hinge, I think I did this about 1990 (and I was thinking the pop rivets were for the side case latches)

[Motorhobo]

That's a very cool mod...wish the engineers had seen it before they designed the frackin box in the first place.

[Tuco]

Thanks for the idea of reversing the lid. Mine is getting a little wonky so mebbe its time for some third world engineering.