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MG MGB Technical - Side trim clips - rivets

I've just got the trim to fix back on the roadster and find that the 3.2mm rivets I have are too big. Seems I need something like 2.8mm ones. I dont want to open up the holes in the bodywork to accomodate the 3.2 ones so can anyone recommend where to get the smaller sized rivets. Ebay don't seem to list them.
Steve Church

Hi Steve. I believe the part number is GHF1435. The usual suspects have them but www.jagspares.co.uk (0121 544 4444)are the cheapest at 13p each versus moss 30p

Cheers

Tony
Tony Brough

Steve, What bit of the trim are you talking about? Assume Stainless side strips.
Originally the rivets would have been 1/8" Dia, i.e., 3.2mm. The next, commonly available, size down is 3mm Dia. But whether other sizes have a suitable head I wouldn't know. Don't forget the front of the front wing, the rear of the rear wing and the centre of the door strip are bolted in place.
Allan Reeling

I bought a set (sufficient for both sides) from Sussex Classic Car Parts 3 years ago. They're about 2.7mm dia.

http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/shop_factory_hazel/contents/en-uk/d804.html#p1263 (includes the 6 bolted fixings).

I haven't fitted them yet due to car restorers making a hash of the paint job.
Brian Shaw

Yes it's the side strips. I have all the clips (cups) but no rivets to attach to car. A 3.2mm rivet is too large unless I drill out all the holes. But I don't want to do that. Looks like the Jagspares bits will do. Another fiver won't break the bank!
Steve Church

You can fit any rivet (within reason) to the cups. I bought the fitting kit but because the holes were variously in two thicknesses of panel, or oversize, I bought some long-reach rivets, moved the cups over, and put rivet washers on the backs of the panels.
Paul Hunt

Steve. What are the concerns with enlarging the rivit hole? I found the same as you. I wanted to use aluminum rivets and found they were just a bit larger than the hole. The drilling did not cause any issues with alignment of the trim, but I did lay a tape strip on the side to assure a straight placement. Have not had a single issue with these.
Bruce TD4139 Cunha

I'd imagine it is to do with cutting through the paint. Even though mine certainly weren't too small I daubed the holes, rivets and insides of the trim with Waxoyl before fitting. I've always used Waxoyl or copper grease for reassembly of anything, I had occasion to remove the front bumper this afternoon for the first time in 25 years and everything came undone very easily.
Paul Hunt

Didn't want to spoil any paint seal in the holes. I have just found some 2.5mm rivets (Draper) on ebay. I was going to order the rivets plus clip from jagspares but I already have the clips and didn't want to pay their exorbitant p&p price.
Steve Church

This thread was discussed between 01/05/2015 and 17/05/2015

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