Headllight rim rivet

[Cutlass]

Seems pretty clear that proper headlight rims have a nickel plated brass rivet at their tops. One of the rims from my 66 BJ8 does have such a rivet, in pretty good shape, except that it appears to be copper, and all plating is gone. The other rim has a rivet, still plated, but well worn down. Both rims need re-plating. So the question is whether a correct appearing rivet can be found. Effective plating requires removal of the old rivets, which will pretty well destroy the one good rivet. The last resort appears to be the new Lucas units available from BCS, but at almost $100 each, thought I'd try other options first. Any ideas?

 

[GregW]

Hi Cutlass,
When you were checking the rim prices at BCS, did they not have the rivets? For my life, I can't remember what the proper ones look like. :blush:

 

[Dave Russell]

The rims I got from BCS a few years ago had rivets but the finish was so poor that I returned them. Full of grinder marks.

I got non rivet rims from Moss which had very good plating. Drilled the rims, got copper plated steel rivets from the local hardware, buffed the copper off to underlying bare steel, installed the rivets & called it a job. Can't tell them from the real thing. See pic

Maybe BCS has improved their quality by now?
D

 

[Cutlass]

Hi guys. Just went to the shop and found some nickel plated mild steel split rivets of the proper size. A quick buffing leaves them quite nice. I'd feel better if they were not steel, due to the inevitable rusting issue, but for now, they will look great. Now to decide whether to re-plate the original brass rims or go with a Moss replacement and follow Dave's plan. Dave - are the Moss rims brass or steel?

 

[Dave Russell]

I live in a dry climate & keep the rivets waxed. Ha!

Have no idea whether they are brass or steel - I suspect steel. Didn't really pay attention. All visible surfaces are plated.
D

 

[anthony7777]

cutlas, pssst, tween me an u there be a n.o.s one on ebay item # 370027864943 bedda hurry, now only $56.00 good luck.

 

[Cutlass]

Thanks. I saw that. Think I'm just going to have mine chromed, as I have found suitable, though not exact, replacement rivets. This is a frustrating enterprise. Made all arrangements to pick up my car after almost thirteen months in the paint shop. Upon "final" inspection today, I found four spots that needed re-work. Another week --- AAAARGH.

 

[Editor_Reid]

...after almost thirteen months in the paint shop.

So what do you expect with a rush job like that? :eeek:

Painters use different calendars. They're the same ones used to plot continental drift, I believe.

 

[Cutlass]

In fairness, there was a lot of panel fitting to do, and the end result will be spectacular. I chose the same colors as your beauty, Reid. It has been a long time, but it will seem to be but a blink once it gets home.