Pop rivets?

[Tookey]

I will soon be fitting external fittings on to fibreglass, I plan to investigate the hab box shell for support struts (unsure of technical name) but for any places where the only structure is the fibreglass are pop rivets my best option? The loads will not be excessive (https://www.amazon.co.uk/CStern-Recovery-Emergency-Traction-Self-help/dp/B07ZT6LDV7) but stress/strain from driving on unsealed roads will be a consideration

Ty

 

[SquirrellCook]

There are many versions of pop rivets, some are designed for soft surfaces. If you can get to the back of the glass fibre a penny washer placed on the back of the rivet will make a strong connection. If the rivet is in a high corrosion area coat it in waxoyl first. If you want to prevent leaks coat it in pu mastic. Pop rivets are not that waterproof.

 

[Nabsim]

Any reason why you don’t want to use resin and matting?

 

[mistericeman]

Pop rivets on any large bits of fibreglass are likely to be a recipe for stress cracks and damage.
I'd be very very wary of damaging it.

 

[Tookey]

Any reason why you don’t want to use resin and matting?

No, not at all. I asked about pop rivets as the awning and a bar that the bike rack sits on are all pop riveted. I have no experience with fibreglass and the previous owner might have made a poor decision using them. I am completely open to suggestions

 

[SquirrellCook]

Getting both surfaces clean and abrading them before a good even coat of pu mastic would be belt and braces. Along with the squat frogs. (pop ribbits).

 

[Tookey]

I have some Sikaflex 521 UV on it's way in the post for a different job so it don't see why that wouldn't be suitable. I will try and read up on what Nabism mentioned as I'm not sure what he means at the moment.

'Many different versions of pop rivets'........that sounds like a thrilling hour of web research

Thank you all and any other suggestions still very welcome

Ta

 

[Tookey]

Any reason why you don’t want to use resin and matting?

Sorry Nabism but I don't understand. Resin and matting looks like it's for repairs so suspect I'm missing something

 

[Nabsim]

You can bond to fibreglass using resin and either chopped or woven matting. Does depend what you want to fit though

 

[Nabsim]

Have a look here, I used to buy my stuff from them online. I think they used to have some videos showing how to do some stuff

ECF - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies

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