By Cheri Sicard
Airstream owners pay attention! In the video below from The Ramblin Hamblins, we get a lesson on how to replace an Airstream rivet. Not only that, but how to do this task in under a minute.
If you own an Airstream for any length of time, a loose or missing rivet is bound to happen. After all, the average Airstream has more than 3,000 rivets! Therefore, knowing how to fix the problem instead of having to pay someone else to fix it only makes sense.
Our host says this is an easy fix, but it does take a couple of tools. Of course, you should watch the video to get a full demonstration.
How to replace an Airstream rivet—what you need
- A drill with a 1/8″ drill bit
- A rivet gun
- Rivets
What size rivets do you need? It will depend on the Airstream, but the company has compiled this handy guide, so check it out to see what you need.
The video begins with an explanation of the blind rivets (also known as pop rivets) used and how they work. These are used on Airstream interiors, and this is what the video shows (note that exterior rivets are different).
The actual demonstration of replacing a rivet begins at point 3:20 in the video. Watch and see how quick and easy it is!
##RVDT2422
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 Pop rivets fascinate me. We used about 300 to attach aluminum flashing to our RV barn to prevent mice from entering. The success of the flashing is still being determined while my arm recovers from the large number of repeated pumps. 😉 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂