Two Issues Tonight

[davery]

I ran into two issues tonight and wanted to get suggestions from the experts. First issue, I was with replacing the gauge bulbs with LED's and all went in fine except for the oil pressure gauge. The bulb wouldn't go in all the way. I eventually got it in, but then pulled the socket out to check and the LED bulb fell into the gauge housing. Because it is so tight needle nose pliers aren't working. I really don't want to uncrimp the front of the gauge. Before I go any further, if I remove the plastic housing on the back is there access to the inside of the gauge? If not, I assume my next option would be to cut a hole in the side of the gauge housing unless anyone has any other suggestions. Issue number two for tonight. The vinyl on the top of a door card needs to be replaced. It looks like the vinyl wraps around and under the metal/felt? trim strip next to the glass. I tried just wrapping the new vinyl over the old and tucking it down behind the trim strip, but it was too thick and pushed the trim to where the window would not open. It looks like this trim strip is held on with rivets. Since I do not have a rivet gun I am wondering if I remove this trim strip is there another way to re-attach it? I don't think there is enough room for a nut and bolt. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[lglade]

The factory bulbs fell into two of my gauges, and I was able to fish them out with one of those squeeze-type retrieval tools. If that won't work you might be able to break (crush) the bulb with those needle-nose pliers; you could then shake out the broken pieces without having to disassemble the gauge.

As to the missing pop rivet, the tools are cheap ($14 with free shipping on eBay). It even comes with a variety pack of rivets.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140-pc-Pop-Rive ... Sw9NdXslcf

[RRoller123]

It has been a few years since I did the vinyl at the top of the door card, but I seem to remember that a standard pop rivet for the felt extended too far from the mounting surface and interfered with the fit of either the window going up and down, or of the card fitting back on the door, or both. I used much smaller roll-over type brass rivets (not sure what they are called, "roll eyelets" I think) and set them with a small plier-type tool that they came with. These are available at the various craft and fabric stores like Jo-Anns, etc. I flattened them fully as a final set with a small hammer and a backup plate. Worked fine, the door card fits and the window has no interference.

[davery]

It has been a few years since I did the vinyl at the top of the door card, but I seem to remember that a standard pop rivet for the felt extended too far from the mounting surface and interfered with the fit of either the window going up and down, or of the card fitting back on the door, or both. I used much smaller roll-over type brass rivets (not sure what they are called, "roll eyelets" I think) and set them with a small plier-type tool that they came with. These are available at the various craft and fabric stores like Jo-Anns, etc. I flattened them fully as a final set with a small hammer and a backup plate. Worked fine, the door card fits and the window has no interference.

I'm thinking you may be correct. These look like a very unique type of rivet. I don't want to remove them until I figure out how to re-install. I may try and remove the old vinyl and push the new vinyl in between the trim piece and upper door card. I have a history of taking things apart and not being able to put them back together.

[RRoller123]

The problem with the pop rivet is the barrel that remains out the back with the round head "pop" in it. It sticks way too far out for many applications. The hollow rolled eyelet sits relatively flat after being set and works great! Cheap at the fabric store and the set tool is only a couple of bucks. Brass is easy to roll over too. No prob.

[DieselSpider]

The problem with the pop rivet is the barrel that remains out the back with the round head "pop" in it. It sticks way too far out for many applications. The hollow rolled eyelet sits relatively flat after being set and works great! Cheap at the fabric store and the set tool is only a couple of bucks. Brass is easy to roll over too. No prob.

Many times the fabric department at a store such as Walmart will have the eyelets/grommets or a pocket tack/rivet (like on your blue jeans) in a small kit for a few dollars with the tool included.

[Bytor36]

You've probably already resolved, but I used 1/8 x 1/8 (3.1mm) pop rivet. I believe anything longer will give you interference. I used backing plates (like little washers) to ensure secure fitment. Worked very well for exactly same application you're dealing with.

[seabeelt]

+1 on the small rivets.. Worked fine

[80spiddy]

I also used the small rivets with washers, then pounded the rivet hump flat against the washer to spread it out further.