Aluminum boat rivet question

[Ironhorse2022]

Having just brought home a 56 aero craft Lark, I need to replace a couple of structural rivets holding the seat backs to the seat base (not exposed to water) as they are missing and the seat back is a bit wobbly. I have a standard pop rivet gun but have no way to install original style solid rivets. what Is your advice about using pop rivets or investing in a more serious type of riveting tool ? If more serious, do you have a recommendation ? The pop rivets just don’t seem like they would hold up however maybe I just don’t have the right kind. Thanks !

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... When I had my ole tin fishin' barge, I used pop-rivets on the inside, not exposed to water, without problems,.....
Aluminum rivets, with aluminum pins,......

For the hull, where water was the issue, I used blind solid aluminum pop-rivets,....
Again, no problems,.....
3/16" by whatever reach ya need,....

 

[jbcurt00]

May prove helpful

Rivets, rivets and more rivets! (Repaired)

All of us have to learn a new trade when it comes to restoring our 'gently used' riveted aluminum boats. Disputably Starcraft boats are the most popular and prolific aluminum boat of all time and the same rivet questions come up time and time again. Rather than answer each and every question...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Ironhorse2022]

Perfect info, thanks !