↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Wheel arch spats and plastic rivets
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
Print this entire topic · 
MrFlips



Member Since: 27 May 2009
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 682

Wales 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Santorini Black
Wheel arch spats and plastic rivets
After an unfortunate incident where an uprooted tree-truck broke a wheel arch spat a few weeks ago I have bought some plastic Britpart rivets (pictured) to reattach it once I have taken it off to repair it. This leads me to two questions:


Click image to enlarge


1. Before removing the spat I have tested to make sure the rivets fit as I have a couple of empty holes where the originals popped out. For the life of me I cannot get it to stay in. Is there a tool I should be using? Or have I just bought entirely the wrong fixers?

2. How do I remove the existing fixers? Is it a case of using a v-shaped pry bar to snap them off (much like a claw hammer) or is there an altogether less ham-fisted way of doing it?

Any views much appreciated. Very Happy Peter
2008 SWB Truck Cab
1952 80" Soft top
Post #48971 19th Dec 2010 12:44am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Glynparry25



Member Since: 16 Feb 2009
Location: Miserable Midlands
Posts: 3015

Wales 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Tonga Green
I can confirm that they are the right type of plastic rivet. All you have to do is push it in and then push the core in and TA,DA it stays..... but if it doesn't maybe they sent the wrong size?

Glyn Sheep
Post #48982 19th Dec 2010 8:18am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
landy andy



Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5799

2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver
They should be a snug fit before you push the pin in, if they are not you have the correct fitting but wrong size.

To remove push the pin through/out with thin screw driver or similar, then pull out with trim tool or similar. Pin must be removed first!


Andy
Post #48987 19th Dec 2010 10:00am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
mse



Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5062

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey
Trying to remember when i removed the spat for the snorkel there might have been two sizes used.

As for fitting you locate them in and they should be reasonably firm - the either push or with new ones tap the centre in. Mike
Post #48990 19th Dec 2010 10:13am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
MrFlips



Member Since: 27 May 2009
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 682

Wales 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Santorini Black
Thanks for all of your replies - it's the pushing through the core part that I've been struggling with. The core seems to want to go anywhere but through the centre, most often onto the floor at high speed. I've bought plenty of spares, so now I know there are no fancy tools I'll persevere until I crack it. Thanks again Thumbs Up Peter
2008 SWB Truck Cab
1952 80" Soft top
Post #48993 19th Dec 2010 11:00am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
ken



Member Since: 18 Aug 2009
Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !!
Posts: 4328

United Kingdom 
Use a screwdriver if you dont have a pin punch then wiggle it around to align the holes then push the rivit in then tap the core in Thumbs Up
Post #49027 19th Dec 2010 5:34pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
MrFlips



Member Since: 27 May 2009
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 682

Wales 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Santorini Black
Cheers Ken Thumbs Up Peter
2008 SWB Truck Cab
1952 80" Soft top
Post #49034 19th Dec 2010 6:54pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Vixen



Member Since: 16 Mar 2010
Location: NSW, Orstraya
Posts: 97

Australia 
You'd think they'd come up with a better system of attaching them. They they to break and fall off of their own accord those plastic rivets Sad Had a Defender that continuously (from new) had at least 2 missing from each flare Sad
Post #49061 19th Dec 2010 9:16pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
TC



Member Since: 21 Nov 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 715

United Kingdom 
Had the exact same issue - lost my rag trying to seat the rivet, went and had a small fit in the corner of the garage, calmed down, returned with a plastic zip tie - sorted. Will deal with it properly in the summer Very Happy
Post #49230 21st Dec 2010 1:54pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
MrFlips



Member Since: 27 May 2009
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 682

Wales 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Santorini Black
They are the most annoying of things. Mine are also currently held on with a few zip-ties Laughing

My arches are full of compacted snow at the moment, but with all the help above I have been practicing for when everything's thawed out. I've found that if I snap the core bit off, and then use an appropriately sized allen key to open the hole up a touch then the core inserts nicely with just the right amount of pressure to keep it there.

I envy hardy types who can work on their cars in the cold Bow down Peter
2008 SWB Truck Cab
1952 80" Soft top
Post #49232 21st Dec 2010 2:05pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2025 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums