Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Rivet Types - Aluminum Hull - Starcraft

T

theydrewa31

Regular Contributor
Hello gents. I'll try to keep this one simple. I need to replace some rivets on my Starcraft Islander. From what I understand Starcraft uses 5200 aluminum. So far in my research I have found some options that seem like they are compatible metals.

  • 1100F - maybe easier to work but Possibly too soft for a hull?
  • 5200 - Expensive. I need to keep cost down.
  • 2117 T4 - more affordable and I hear its stronger.
I am leaning towards the 2117 T4. Is that alright to use? Also, that does not need special heat treatment like the 2017 T4 right? If it needs heated it's out of the question for me.

I am working on a full restoration, so thanks in advance for any help or opinion you can share!
 
Ayuh,..... I ran a '74 Starcraft Islander for decades,.... Whenever I needed to replace any rivets, I used closed end pop-rivets, right off the shelf, no regards to the metal composition, other than aluminum,....
 
I was planning to use solid rivets, AKA buck rivets. I don’t know why but I just felt like they might be stronger.

I currently have access to both sides. Deck and hull foam all 100% removed. Last thing that needs to come out is the fuel tank which is completely empty.

Maybe I should grab some of the rivets you are talking about just in case there are a few that are impossible to buck.

Thank you so much for your help guys!
 
Back
Top