Topic: How to rivet the VIN tag to the frame

[rhinoracer]

I removed the VIN tag to powdercoat the frame, it was riveted plus it had some kind of double sided clear tape.

I have the glue-tape part worked out, I even got some #4-40 screws and tap to replace the rivets.

My plan is to use Scotch double sided tape (the thinnest film available) and fasten with the slotted head screws, then grind the slot away and bang on them to make them look more like rivets.

Is there a better or proper way?

[MrFry]

^^beat me too it
rivet guns aren't all that expensive...

[rhinoracer]

The original rivets had tiny heads and were the solid type.

Just trying to keep the same appearance. I was tempted to use pop rivets but don't really like the bulky heads. However, if that's the way everybody does it maybe I'll give it a try.

[Zane]

I'd call a good road bicycle shop and explain what you want.  Most of them are able to do a neat job of riveting metal steering stem emblems, I think.  (My local shop did, anyway.)

[Geeto67]

If I am not mistaken there was some place selling the proper rivets, I forget who though. Maybe DSS?

[heffay]

my rivet gun has 4 different size rivet holders that are interchangeable.  from very small rivet to pretty large ones.
i think the whole setup including an assortment of rivets was in the 20-25 dollar neighborhood.  honestly, i don't remember where i got it but, i've seen the same one in several different stores.  it has paid for itself in the 5 years that i've had it.

here is a picture of it...

[BobbyR]

For gluing the plate, some good old clear silicone adhasive is all you will need. As for rivieting the plate back on you seem to have that figured out. If you glue it on with silicone, you could glue something that looks like the rivet head over the holes.

[cb650]

I just used regular rivets but they do make a hammer in that would look more original. 
Just how many times has anybody had the cops check your vin anyway?



                        Terry

[puppytrax]

Just how many times has anybody had the cops check your vin anyway?

On a related note, I bunged up my VIN plate getting it off. Is there anybody selling blank VIN plates for these old bikes?? I know, that sounds pretty stupid, but you can get new VIN plates (blank) for old Triumph/MG/Austin-Healey autos from The Roadster Factory, so maybe someone knows where to get new blank VIN plates for Hondas...   

Otherwise, I'll just do a photoshop black & white paper plate and epoxy it on and then clearcoat it...Best I can come up with...   

[heffay]

puppy... is it a resto that you can't do w/ out correctness?  because, a piece of laminated paper is not correct.

otherwise, skip it... that would be fraudulent and it would better for you to keep the bunged up one.  things get scratched its understandable.

[puppytrax]

puppy... is it a resto that you can't do w/ out correctness?  because, a piece of laminated paper is not correct.

otherwise, skip it... that would be fraudulent and it would better for you to keep the bunged up one.  things get scratched its understandable.

It doesn't have to be a 100-point restoration; but the mounting holes are pretty ripped out...I could only fasten it by drilling new holes somewhere else...and riveting it on again...but it would look like exactly what it is: a ripped out & refastened VIN plate...   

[Steve F]

What you're looking for isn't really a rivet at all, but what's known by some as a drive screw.  Rivets are usually peened over on both ends.  A drive screw is shaped like a rivet, but has a spiral knurl on the shank, and is just pounded into a hole with a concave punch.
Check out this link where you can buy them.
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/psearch.asp?FAM=nails&FT_4565=201257&FT_785=201219&FT_518=52165&FT_4569=201280&session=nails,4565=201257,785=201219,518=52165;4569=201280

[heffay]

right... but, a privately reproduced one will only look fraudulent.  at least, a paper and non-authentic looking reproduction.

[okie]

A good trophy shop can make any tag you can imagine.  On street rods, I used brass drive rivets that had a shallow angled spiral on the shaft that allowed a good tight fit in a properly sized drilled hole.  You just placed the rivet on the hole and whammed it with a hammer.  It looks exactly like a factory job.   You can get the rivets here:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ModelAParts/DataPlates/3327?partnumid=

 

[BobbyR]

A good trophy shop can make any tag you can imagine.  On street rods, I used brass drive rivets that had a shallow angled spiral on the shaft that allowed a good tight fit in a properly sized drilled hole.  You just placed the rivet on the hole and whammed it with a hammer.  It looks exactly like a factory job.   You can get the rivets here:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ModelAParts/DataPlates/3327?partnumid=

 

I believe these fellows can help with a new Vin Plate.

[spitfire]

Put mine back on with normal (small) rivets and "no nails" adhesive, looks OK to me !

Cheers

Den

[SWEETPEAUK]

The Part you need is.

screw Rivit 1.5 x 5

Honda Part No 90841-000-000

They are also used by clock makers, so no an hard  item to locate.

I believe you hammer them in lightly and they grip by side expansion.

[techy5025]

Place carefully and lightly in hole and pound in place with ten pound
sledge. 

Jim

[crazypj]

I made some from 0.125" stainless steel welding rod. I thought originals were 1.5mm but didn't remember length required
Made with slight taper on shaft so they jammed in position
PJ

[puppytrax]

I plan on using brass brads, available from any hardware store, and use a long drift to push the ends over, inside the headstock...

As to the VIN plate, I am going to glue my clear-coated digital photo of the VIN plate to a piece of aluminum flashing (also at hardware store) and rivet that on...It's the best I can come up with...As for official inspection, as long as the VIN on my plate matches the VIN stamped into the other side of the headstock, I don't see a problem...

[heffay]

took a ride over to harbor freight today. 

checked out the rivet tool selection.  the one i pictured earlier was 5.99 and they ranged up to about 15 or 20 bucks.
there was an assortment box of probably 200 pieces and it was only about 3 bucks.

i've got lotsa goodies 

[old750]

Just how many times has anybody had the cops check your vin anyway?

On a related note, I bunged up my VIN plate getting it off. Is there anybody selling blank VIN plates for these old bikes?? I know, that sounds pretty stupid, but you can get new VIN plates (blank) for old Triumph/MG/Austin-Healey autos from The Roadster Factory, so maybe someone knows where to get new blank VIN plates for Hondas...   

Otherwise, I'll just do a photoshop black & white paper plate and epoxy it on and then clearcoat it...Best I can come up with...   

I also need a VIN plate as my bike didn't come with one. It had a number directly etched on the frame. Is this also a VIN? My papers match the number on the frame so I guess it don't matter if I have a plate or not.