Saving the Rivets?

[Rich Eagle]

My '25 steel dash (Firewall) has three rivets in addition to the ones for the hood lacing. They were to hold a strip between the dash and the body to either seal it from water or prevent squeaking. I take some pride in making this car as close to original as possible but I don't consider myself a purist. However it was very satisfying to use some original rivets to attach some leftover top material with them. I tried to remove them without mangling them. Then I annealed them hoping they wouldn't break in reinstalling them. A hole and slot were cut in a thin steel plate to hold the rivet while straightening the tangs. Some time was also spent each time one fell on the floor. They are a bit small for these old eyes to spot.

Previously I had used some glass setting tape which worked very well. I couldn't save it while removing it and didn't have any more on hand. Someone mentioned felt being used but I worry it might retain moisture and encourage rust on the metal. My dash has rust pits in that area. I just read a suggestion of roofing felt and wish I had thought of that but the top material seems like it should work.
I'm sure I have new rivets that same size I could have used and these don't really show but this just seemed right today. I chuckle to think that some of the most pitiful cars have details that could be considered more original that the 100 point ones.
Just me.
Rich