Fan rivets
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SB Nelson
Topic author - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2024 5:57 pm
- First Name: STEVEn
- Last Name: NELSON
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Roadster
- Location: Antelope, Montana
Fan rivets
I need to install a new fan on my 1919 roadster due to .metal fatigue and hairline cracks. I have the new blades and rivets and have already removed the old blades by grinding the heads off the old rivets and punching them through. Now, I'm faced with installing the new rivets. Is there a special rivet punch I need, or do I just wallop the bejesus out of them with a ball peen hammer on an anvil? I have a tool that I've used on a sickle bar, but the jaws aren't deep enough for this application. I'm curious to know what others have done.
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Jones in Aiken SC
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Wed Apr 03, 2024 10:13 am
- First Name: Gregory
- Last Name: Jones
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 Roadster, 1926 Coupe
- Location: Aiken
Re: Fan rivets
Just a suggestion, you could probably box it all up and send it to Lang's. They riveted new fan blades on my 1912 hub for $35 (not including shipping). I believe they have a special fixture for doing it. Best $35 I ever spent. Consider it, unless you prefer to do it yourself. If you go that route, call them first and tell them what you have and want done.
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Oldav8tor
- Posts: 2246
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
- Location: Thumb of Michigan
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Fan rivets
Riveted fan blades can be a problem. I chose to replace my fan with a one piece fan to avoid future problems. I also installed a ball bearing hub. I have a 17 touring and my goal is to have a reliable car for touring....not a show piece.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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speedytinc
- Posts: 4725
- Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
- First Name: john
- Last Name: karvaly
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
- Location: orange, ca
- Board Member Since: 2020
Re: Fan rivets
Both very good suggestions.
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greenacres36
- Posts: 156
- Joined: Sun Sep 27, 2020 3:50 pm
- First Name: Brian
- Last Name: Williams
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Tudor, 1915 Runabout
- Location: Prospect, Ohio
Re: Fan rivets
I think Dave Nolting might do it.
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Oldav8tor
- Posts: 2246
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
- Location: Thumb of Michigan
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Fan rivets
You might check with a mechanic at a nearby airport if there is one. They will have a rivet gun and appropriately sized bucking bars. I have such tools but am not much use from Michigan.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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mtntee20
- Posts: 657
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:51 pm
- First Name: Terry & Sharon
- Last Name: Miller
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1920 Center Door, 1920 TTWood cab Farm Truck with cable dump grain bed, 1920 TT C-Cab with express bed, 1927 Wood body Dairy Delivery truck
- Location: Westminster, CO
- Board Member Since: 2017
Re: Fan rivets
I replaced a front cross member, on a frame. Bought the proper rivet tool and made a buck to back up. Needed shims for the buck due to frame restrictions. Heated the rivet, then set it. Even with limited experience, it was a doable job.
Having said that, having a fan that was cracked, and having seen what a broken fan blade can do (not on my engine) I HIGHLY recommend having someone with experience riveting FAN BLADES so as to be confident in the work and NOT worrying about a failure. The advice about a one piece fan, is GOOD advice. I do understand about being 100% true to original build. IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
Good Luck
Having said that, having a fan that was cracked, and having seen what a broken fan blade can do (not on my engine) I HIGHLY recommend having someone with experience riveting FAN BLADES so as to be confident in the work and NOT worrying about a failure. The advice about a one piece fan, is GOOD advice. I do understand about being 100% true to original build. IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
Good Luck
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Allan
- Posts: 6609
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:21 pm
- First Name: Allan
- Last Name: Bennett
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
- Location: Gawler, Australia
Re: Fan rivets
Did Ford ever produce a one piece fan? Most I have seen are two pieces spot welded together where they cross. These can still crack, evidenced by the introduction of pressed in ribs in the centre of the later ones.
Allan from down under
Allan from down under