TIG welding trim rivets

Schroeder

Schroeder

Promoted Users
I am planning on NOT reinstalling trim, but if I run into fitment issues with the modern rubber trim seal I have I may just put the old trim on. I replaced quarters and roof skin, so the OEM trim rivets are gone. I don't wanna buy the spot welder if I don't have to. These are copper coated steel. Is there any reason I can't wire brush the copper off these and TIG them to my panels? I'll never use the spot welder again and don't wanna mess with it.

Motor Guard - Rivets 500 Per Bag (J20012) https://a.co/d/bYNfGrW
 
Problem is when you TIG them you will not have the clearance to install the trim clip. The stud welder fuses it at the backside of the rivet. You can't do that with a TIG. You would have to weld it at the side. Try it and see, but I don't think it will work.
 
Chris_Hamilton said:
Problem is when you TIG them you will not have the clearance to install the trim clip. The stud welder fuses it at the backside of the rivet. You can't do that with a TIG. You would have to weld it at the side. Try it and see, but I don't think it will work.
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Good observation. I can put an ever so slight changer on the end to fill with weld as well as grind the weld flush with the OD of the rivet after welding with a Dremel cut off wheel. I definitely see what you're saying.

Are there any material limitations or something on this though that I'm not thinking about that will make TIG welding impossible? I understand the mechanical concern you've mentioned.
 
I'd go with the screws that Don posted. I'm not sure how many studs you need but I'd be pulling my hair out after tigging a few of them.
 
DanMcG said:
I'd go with the screws that Don posted. I'm not sure how many studs you need but I'd be pulling my hair out after tigging a few of them.
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Won't those screws be susceptible to letting water in and rusting where they go through the roof skin and quarter?
 
My dent puller (Snap-on, throwing star version) has a tip made for those rivets to weld them on..

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Yesterday I rode up to York PA for the final day of the Street Rod Nationals.. I went to see the Dave Thomas 35 Chevy in person, now that is was all painted in it's full glory. Gorgeous car, but what in the world is that truck in the background????
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MP&C said:
My dent puller (Snap-on, throwing star version) has a tip made for those rivets to weld them on..

MP&C Shop Projects

Yesterday I rode up to York PA for the final day of the Street Rod Nationals.. I went to see the Dave Thomas 35 Chevy in person, now that is was all painted in it's full glory. Gorgeous car, but what in the world is that truck in the background????
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
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Yep, mine too (different brand.) Worked great. My glass guy thought it was the coolest thing ever.
 
Thinking about it a little more, I don't know how it woul even be possible to weld them. There is maybe a 1/4" at most of space brtween the head of the rivet and the body. You would need a tiny torch, and how would you position them in place? The screws seem like a no brainer to me if you don't have a stud gun with the rivet attachment. Only other option would be to borrow one from someone, or find a body guy with one and pay him to come over and zap them in for you.
 
MP&C said:
My dent puller (Snap-on, throwing star version) has a tip made for those rivets to weld them on..

MP&C Shop Projects

Yesterday I rode up to York PA for the final day of the Street Rod Nationals.. I went to see the Dave Thomas 35 Chevy in person, now that is was all painted in it's full glory. Gorgeous car, but what in the world is that truck in the background????
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
Click to expand...

Another cool tool I didn't know about.

Thanks for sharing.
 
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