Topic: Reattaching the VIN plate...what to use?

[mattcb350f]

I took the VIN plate off the frame to paint it, but couldn't save the wee rivets 
What do you guys use to reattach the plate? Are there replacement rivets?

I'd rather not drill it out and use larger rivets, I'd like to keep it looking original

 Matt.

[troppo]

i`m no expert on the bikes but on the trucks at work well always use 1/8 rivets..
get a 1/8 drill bit and it should be the same size as the original rivet hole and use normal pop rivets to refix the plate

[BobbyR]

I think if you do a search, there was a discussion of this and I recall someone had a simple method which looked original.

[mattcb350f]

yup, here it is: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=29686.0

[CB750F2]

Matt, You can buy small rivits that look identical to the originals. They are only short - about 1/4" long - and have twisted flutes on the shaft. You need to drill a hole slightly smaller than the OD of the rivits. The rivits are then hammered into place using a hammer and a solid punch that has a small indent on one end to match the head of the rivit. I suggest that you do a trial using a scrap piece of pipe before attempting to the job. I am sorry that I cannot give you the part no of the rivits because mine were given to me by a friend who had excess from a job. He had to buy them by the packet. They were cheap. Pat

[City Boy]

Hey Matt.I have oodles of the OEM rivets from my days at Honda Canada.Want some?Send mail info,I send you some.ROCK ON

[mattcb350f]

Matt, You can buy small rivits that look identical to the originals. They are only short - about 1/4" long - and have twisted flutes on the shaft.

Thanks, I just found them at a local supplier... there official name is a "U-Drive" rivet. Anyone looking for these can probably get them from their local fastener supplier. Or, google "small rivets" and you should find some national suppliers.
 Matt.

CITY BOY, I just PM'd you..

[markb]

Its actually a type U drive screw.  Its kind of like a round head screw with no slot and a steep pitch thread that is tapped in with a hammer.  I replaced mine on a K0 with a 1/4" long #2.    The screws are a McMaster-Carr part #90081A077 and they were about $3 for a box of 100.  I used the zinc plated but I think they're also available in stainless.
Mark

[BobbyR]

What is important when reattaching a Vin plate is that it look original. In the event for whatever reason you become involved with the law you don't need to go through a whole hassle of explaining that and that and digging up documentation. It is not worth the hassle.

[GNXFan]

I just ordered the one's markb mentioned from McMaster-Carr. I'll have plenty of them in a few days if anyone needs some. I wish I would've seen City Boy's thread before I did.