'K, way back in 1977 when my '69 Z was first repainted we removed the motor and shot the engine compartment with black lacquer. For whatever reason, my painter removed the trim/cowl tag (the one on the firewall behind the brake booster).

For years I couldn't find this thing but knew I'd kept it somewhere. Just last week, when going through some old registration paperwork, it fell out of a manila envelope.

Hallelujah!!! :hurray: Obviously I was pretty happy with the discovery.

After reading some threads about installing trim tags I ordered the reproduction rivets from Year One. They just arrived yesterday.

But how are they installed? I read a thread in a Nova forum that showed a tool to install 'em but the poster didn't say where he found it. It looks as if you have to place the tag on the firewall, push in the rivets from the firewll side, brace them from that side and then insert or pound in an expansion tool of some sort from inside the car in order to expand the backside rivet head.

Is that correct? Does it take a special tool? If so, where to buy?

TIA!

First I hope you have your firesuit on to protect you from the flaming you're going to get from some of the fine members here for allowing the tag to be removed. That being said, what's done is done and through no fault of your own, you need to put the tag back on. There is a guy on Ebay that sells the rivit tool and also the rivets. Personally I have never been in your shoes so I can't say how well they work. Looking at one of the guys ads it looks like the tool actually pushes on the center of the rivet from the outside (same side as the tag) which expands the outer ring on the inside due to the way the rivet is made. If so I think you could do the same with a punch of the proper size. To clarify, I believe you install & expand the rivet all from the firewall side. Anyway here is one of the ads. Maybe the guy will sell you just the tool ? It probably comes with instructions as well. Damn shame it was removed since it's damn difficult to put it back on perfectly and duplicate the putty perfectly and your car will always be in question now unless you have matching number engine & lots of documentation. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COWL-TAG-RIVETS-NOS-GM-CHEVELLE-SS-CAMARO-GTO-Z28-TRIM_W0QQitemZ350258805767QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518d0d3c07

Yeah, I'm not sure why my paint guy removed the tag but, as you said, "what's done is done!" Back then the car was simply a driver among other hot rod drivers. I didn't think much about the trim tag. I was just glad to get a new paint job 'cuz the black stripes were starting to fade.

I'm just glad I finally found where I stashed it all those years ago. That's a lot better than not ever finding it! :thumbsup:

Your linked pic looks like the tool I saw on the Nova forum. I'd sure like to be able to install it from the engine compartment side and not have to tear into the interior firewall.

Thanks so much for the info!:)

Hind sight is always perfect, they were just cars at one time, just like what we see done to todays cars...at least you have it and have lots of history with the car. And it only matters if you are selling it....

So how does that tool work?

I went to Harbor Freight today to see if they had anything like that and no joy.

Can one just use a center punch?

So how does that tool work?

I went to Harbor Freight today to see if they had anything like that and no joy.

Can one just use a center punch?Yes you can, but you need a flat punch the size of the opening in the rivet. Look at the rivet, the bottom is convex toward the opening, when you push the rounded convex area down that in turn pushes outward on the sides of the end of the rivet which is what holds it in place. Dont push too hard and dont hit it with anything, you will push the bottom out of it.
Ron

over 300 views and only a couple of responses .. LOL .. i bet the other members saw the thread and said "WTH" .. clicked it and then read and said "oh" .. haha

well glad you got it back , but if you've been without it for so long why the hurry to rush and put it back? maybe somewhere down the line someone might have one and loan it to you or put it on for you .

my 67 rs is only down to one now who knows how it feel off but its legit from factory and what is that fill that they put in there??

The repro tag rivits are meant to stay together when you use the tool to flatten the bubble and push the rear outward. But the factory rivits I am seen looked like the factory used a punch and just whacked it all the way through. Then they used the seam sealer putty to seal the hole. my .02 Luck! :)

I used a phillips head screwdriver, worked just fine.

I used a phillips head screwdriver, worked just fine.

I like the "KISS" (keep it simple, stupid) principle! :)

Thanks John, I'll probably try that!

I like the "KISS" (keep it simple, stupid) principle! :)

Thanks John, I'll probably try that!
Just remember, the bottoms are not supposed to be pushed out, using the pointed end of a screwdriver you will have to be careful not to push too far.
Just trying to help, I used to do this job at GM.
Ron

Just remember, the bottoms are not supposed to be pushed out, using the pointed end of a screwdriver you will have to be careful not to push too far.
Just trying to help, I used to do this job at GM.
Ron

Thanks Ron, although because I'm not into concours events, I'm not sure if anyone would ever crawl under my dash to see if the inside sides of the rivets are correct. :)

Thanks Ron, although because I'm not into concours events, I'm not sure if anyone would ever crawl under my dash to see if the inside sides of the rivets are correct. :)
I'm not sure I understand, you ARE talking about the TRIM tag arent you? If so, you dont need to crawl under the dash to see them.
If you mean the VIN tag that is a whole different conversation.
Ron
Never mind, I just re-read your initial question