touringsedan Posted April 10, 2023 Share Posted April 10, 2023 We are sending our old Fontaine 5th wheel out for sandblasting and then we’ll give it a fresh coat of paint. I know the Fontaine tag will be destroyed so it needs to be removed. I guess I’ll drill out the rivets but what’s the best way to reattach it when it’s done? 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solution The Rubber Duck 006 Posted April 12, 2023 Solution Share Posted April 12, 2023 Maybe you could have a machine shop rivet it back on if possible? Also I would use Some Mother's mag aluminum polish on that tag. It will shine it up really good. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529078 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 long round head rivets you can tread back side and install nuts/locks.. will look original. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529081 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 how worn out is the pin slot /jaws. rebuild time ?? before blast and paint. can't see good the 2in cross shaft end square for ware. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rubber Duck 006 Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 3 minutes ago, mechohaulic said: long round head rivets you can tread back side and install nuts/locks.. will look original. I figured you would know or one of the other guys would. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529083 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 hope you have a steady hand to repaint the black letters and border on the fontaine tag. not too shiny on the alum. it's an ident tag not hood emblem Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529095 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rubber Duck 006 Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 2 minutes ago, mechohaulic said: hope you have a steady hand to repaint the black letters and border on the fontaine tag. not too shiny on the alum. it's an ident tag not hood emblem I forgot that most Ident tags were painted back then. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529097 Share on other sites More sharing options...
67RModel Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 (edited) Why not just get some steel dome head rivets like are there now and reattach the proper way? You don't really need a riveting tool to install them since you have access to both sides of the hole. If you are careful and have some finesse you can install them with a hammer. Or just catch the backside of the rivet with a little low temperature MIG weld to keep it from pulling out. Either way I would just replace with new steel rivets once the 5th wheel is reconditioned. The rivets themselves are dirt cheap. Depending on the hole size the rivets are like $10 for 250 of them. Edited April 13, 2023 by 67RModel 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529113 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PMC Posted April 13, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2023 How about some "screw nails" i have often seem them holding ID plates on older equipment. McMaster offers quite a variety. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hammer-rivets/screw-nails-for-metal-plastic-and-plywood/ 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529124 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swishy Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 Before it gets blasted put 3 or 4 layers of maskin tape neatly cut to size of the Fontaine plate and warn the blasted blaster 2 B CAREFULL ...................... or else LOL cya 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529134 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted April 13, 2023 Share Posted April 13, 2023 there are many ways to restore the 5th wheel. depends on the extent of restoration and $$$$ willing to spend. wheels off and parts available ;; do a rebuild. far as the tag carefully remove it so blaster can get behind the tag. otherwise rust/scale behind it. permanent install can be accomplished by ALL the methods suggested. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72711-5th-wheel/#findComment-529136 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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