Tools on how to remove and install plastic rivets to change fenders

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Tools on how to remove and install plastic rivets to change fenders

Hi guys,

Just wondering how you would remove the plastic rivets under the fender arch? I will be upgrading my fenders to carbon fibre ones. ?

I’ve seen a few ways:

1. Drilling into the centre of the river

2. Pushing and punching a hole into the centre of the rivet then pulling it all out

3. Pulling the river out completely

Does anyone know what the safest and easiest way is to remove the rivets?

Also I believe you require a special tool to install plastic rivets. Can anyone suggest what tool is required for our F15 X5?

Below is a picture of what rivets are.

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This is what you need to install the rivets. Also keep in mind they are not reusable so once you break the old ones off you will need to install new rivets. And make sure you order white rivets as opposed to black as that is what is installed on your car now.

http://www.justforjeeps.com/rivetgun…FU82gQodZ1cDQg

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@dislodge1 , you used drill or punch to remove the rivet.

Then you can use that tool, or 2 plier to secure the new rivets.

One with the hole in the middle to hold the rivets in place and the other one to pull.

I have been doing it that and it works perfect.

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No need to buy a special tool. Just do what Ben suggested. Drill out the middle post in two seconds and the rivet falls out. Install a new one by holding down the flat circle with a pair of pliers or a notched trim removal tool while pulling up on the center pin with some needle-nose pliers.

These rivets are akin to wall anchors you’d use at home. Once you pull on the center pin, it deforms/accordians the hollow sheath, locking the rivet in place. Adding a couple pics. Hopefully they’re not huge (using the app)…

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Hi guys,

Thanks for the friendly advice. Yes I was looking at the tool. So I guess I can get away without having to purchase tools!

I see so you actually pull out the center pole out from the river itself.. I always thought that rivet gun actually pushes the pole inside rather than pulling it out completely.

So just to confirm I can just use a plier to pull out the centre pole? And I use another plier to hold it in place?

Here is a picture of the carbon fibre fender I am getting. Anyone here have any thoughts on this type of fender?

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I have removed these rivets. The best and easy way is to drill out the centre part. What this does is melt/cut through the centre part, keeping the whole rivet in one piece. Then you use needle nose pliers to pull the whole thing out. If you use a punch, the centre part drops down on the inside and you can’t remove, it rattles around inside the fender. Drill gives clean job. Note: For the rear you will need to remove the tyre to make room for the drill?

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you can buy a rivet gun real cheap at harbor freight. see if you have a store nearby.

http://www.harborfreight.com/

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@dislodge1 , you need to remove the tires to have more room to work.

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I didn’t have to remove the tire to drill out the rivet. And I used a regular sized drill and drill bit. You have to go at a little bit of an angle, but it was never tight enough for me to even think about taking the tire off. But you will have to see what works for you

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You don’t HAVE TO remove it, but it does make it easier.

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What was the pricing on the mirror caps and is the pattern similar to the BMW OEM parts?

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At first I thought, thats not going to look so good, but was just checking out auto fans website. The white x5 with carbon front splitter, wheel wells, side ground effects and rear with black wheels looks nice!

Anybody buy the front splitter yet?

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Haven’t installed them yet but I’ll post some pics of it once I get the chance to install them

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Obviously making life easier for yourself by removing the wheel is the best, but you could remove the rivets by using a center punch to push the pin in, which would also release the anchor. Again, you’d have to get a punch that was short enough for the space.

Whatever you choose, hurry up! We want to see the installed pics!!!

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I’m looking forward to the pics as well… The quality looks to be okay but on the side mirror caps I can see some weaves that seem to be misaligned, maybe on some batches they are flawless.. Who knows.

The front lip looks pretty good based on the pics and the price is outstanding! twelve535i & aw305 you guys want to try them out?

http://cnautofans.com/products/carbo…-0395-677.html

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Last edited by Kzang; 11-04-2015 at 09:37 AM..

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Kzang I’ve seen their ebay listing and stumbled upon their website about a week ago. The fitment on the front lip didn’t look perfect but acceptable for more than 1/2 the price. The rear diffuser and cap looked good also so I sent them an email asking about fitment. I was told the front lip and rear diffuser don’t fit well, which is not good news for me, but at least she was honest.

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