QUESTION.
I am currently restoring a Lotus Europa twin cam and to facilitate repairs to the sill area I have drilled out a couple of the rivets
These rivets are in the sill area and fasten the outer body to the inner body.
Looking at the state of the rivets after removal I am inclined to drill out all the rivets and replace.
Are rivets the best option or is there some better alternative?
Do I need to seal between the two bodies in this area?
R.B. - Brisbane
ANSWER.
Rivets are OK but have a habit of working lose in fibreglass when subjected to vibration and corrosion.
You would achieve a better result by using riv-nuts (captive nuts/inserts) and stainless steel screws.
These riv-nuts nuts are available in various sizes and different configurations.
You can purchase riv-nuts with a knurled external casing to prevent them from turning in the fibreglass
The later Lotus Turbo Esprit uses riv-nuts to secure the lower engine tray to the floor pan
It would be wise to introduce a weather-proof sealant into joints whenever possible to exclude rain, moisture, dirt etc.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I am currently restoring a Lotus Europa twin cam and to facilitate repairs to the sill area I have drilled out a couple of the rivets
These rivets are in the sill area and fasten the outer body to the inner body.
Looking at the state of the rivets after removal I am inclined to drill out all the rivets and replace.
Are rivets the best option or is there some better alternative?
Do I need to seal between the two bodies in this area?
R.B. - Brisbane
ANSWER.
Rivets are OK but have a habit of working lose in fibreglass when subjected to vibration and corrosion.
You would achieve a better result by using riv-nuts (captive nuts/inserts) and stainless steel screws.
These riv-nuts nuts are available in various sizes and different configurations.
You can purchase riv-nuts with a knurled external casing to prevent them from turning in the fibreglass
The later Lotus Turbo Esprit uses riv-nuts to secure the lower engine tray to the floor pan
It would be wise to introduce a weather-proof sealant into joints whenever possible to exclude rain, moisture, dirt etc.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques