Rear Cross Member X ?

So Iam replacing the rear crossmember x on my 68cj5 The old one looks like its riveted on, do do I just zip cut the rivets off and then use bolts to attach the new one and weld in a couple of places
Cheers

 

Thats what i did on my 62. I used angle iron for the new one. I used grade 8 bolts and also a few tack welds

 

awesome, thanks for the quick reply

 

I'll be using hot rivets, like original, when I replace mine.
-Donny

 

Dont have a rivet gun that big let alone big rivits. Would you have a picture of yours
Cheers

 

I used solid rivets from Fastenal. Easy to install, really. Need an air hammer with punches (made my own), a "bucking" bar (about 5 lbs), an oxyacetylene torch, and another person.

 

I bought a rear crossmember from Midwest Military (very nice quality). Turned the dia. down on some carriage bolts, slotted the top for a large screwdriver, installed, ground slot off of bolt until flat and looked like a rivet.

Edit: Was thinking about using heat and rivet for originality and determined I didn't have the skill or tools and would probably not turn out to be a quality job. I would have to sneak a bucking bar through the back side. There is a boxed area at the very rear that would make this very difficult. I chose my method because I was able to paint the parts then assemble and ensure the bolts are good and tight.

 

that looks really good thanks for the pictures

you know it don't look that hard, what size of rivets do i get

you have pictures

 

hahahahah change of mind just gonna use grade 8 bolts as i don't have tools for hot riveting,

 

do the rivets pop out once i cut the heads off

 

Try searching 'willys imitation rivet bolt' on Ebay, several articles on them on other jeep forums. Mullins Jeep Parts reportedly sells them as well.

 

Sorry for the repetitive posts. To remove factory installed rivets, the easiest way I have found is to use your cut off wheel and cut an "X" in the head of the rivet. Then use a chisel and give the head a good whack and it will pop right off, then use a punch as others have mentioned and drive out the 'pin.'