[Calpantera]

Originally Posted by HwyStarJoe

I'm curious now...
When a rivet is installed, the crush area balloons out and is quite raised. The opposite side is flat with a hole in it where the pin was.

Weren't they installed at the factory from the top, because the visible end of the rivet on the dash is flat (rosette shaped)?
I just duplicated the shape of what I removed from the tag when I replaced the dash.

Joe if the rivet is the correct length for the hole it will not balloon out so much and there is only enough material left over to expand and flatten. When you get the big mushroom effects it’s because the body of the rivet was too long for the material. I just went through this last weekend when I had to fix a splitter at the racetrack and had a limited selection of rivets.

[HwyStarJoe]

Gotcha... thanks guys. I couldn't remember what orientation they were in when I pulled the dash panel. I just remember the 'rose' petals.

[scogin918]

Installed rivet from the top. Dash pad covers it so it's no big deal as far as appearance goes. Not to mention that the rivets will be painted the same color as the dash(red). The DSE instrument cluster was already wired up and installed as was the steering column so there was an added incentive to do it from the top. Like I said this is a pro-touring deal and if you noticed, I live in SC. We don't have annual inspections much less emissions testing so I don't think "non-factory" rivets will raise an eyebrow.

[yellow69RS]

IMHO non factory rivits installed from the top will be a red falg to any law enforcement unless your dash pad snugs down reall tight. I hope this doesn't cause any problems for you.

Jeff

[dyno jonn]

The pop rivet police are on the way to your house as we type. Please back away from the door and assume the position.....

[DT]

Originally Posted by scogin918

Installed rivet from the top. Dash pad covers it so it's no big deal as far as appearance goes. Not to mention that the rivets will be painted the same color as the dash(red). The DSE instrument cluster was already wired up and installed as was the steering column so there was an added incentive to do it from the top. Like I said this is a pro-touring deal and if you noticed, I live in SC. We don't have annual inspections much less emissions testing so I don't think "non-factory" rivets will raise an eyebrow.

IMHO, you should have taken the correct steps to install the tag properly. Come time to sell, you'll know what I mean. As far as the rivet Police, so what if they notice, If its the correct vin and tag and everything is in order, who cares what they think.

[ZLP955]

Here's a similar thread from 2008, page 2 refers to the legalities of restoration repairs invoving VIN plate removal:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146608