TheSamba.com :: View topic - '90 Westy Throttle pedal pop-rivet size

Sat Feb 12, 2022 10:59 am

One of the two plastic(!?!) rivets that hold down the base of the throttle pedal down is MIA. I think it's safe to assume the other plastic(!?!) rivet is on its way out.

The good news is that this can probably be rescued with pop-rivets. The bad news is I'm currently in Philadelphia, and the Westy is in storage in Phoenix, AZ.

IIRC the VW approved fix is some sort of pop-rivet. A) what size (in inches, not mm, pls), and B) Aluminum or steel? I have a pop-rivet tool which I guess I'll drag along. I have a large collection of rivets - all need is to sort out the right one.

Why not buy a tool in PHX? Easy, no car except the Westy which, with no sure bet how long the remaining rivet will hold, ain't goin' nowhere until it's fixed.

Related to all of this, is there direct access to the underside of the floor under the pedal. Dropping the tank, the clamshell, or darn near anything else isn't an option.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 11:41 am

Just get small screws and locking nuts.

Do it in stainless steel.

Dave

Sat Feb 12, 2022 11:46 am

I put 2 coarse thread screws through mine.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:01 pm

djkeev wrote: Just get small screws and locking nuts.

Do it in stainless steel.

Dave

V. easy-peasy but... access from under the cabin floor (see limitation re: moving clamshell, etc.) ?

Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:04 pm

4Gears4Tires wrote: I put 2 coarse thread screws through mine.

Easy - no access from under the Westy needed, but... I've had self-tappers do nasty things in cases of load, no load, load, etc. I'll stick with stainless hardware and Nylok nuts. [/smile]

Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:53 pm

Hi,

I did mine with riv nuts and stainless machine screws. No need to get to the backside of floor.

Alistair

Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:55 pm

"riv nuts"? What are these "riv nuts" you speak of?

Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:01 pm

It’s a trade name, many other brands.

https://www.rivetnutusa.com/rivnut-rivet-nut/

Get a range of sizes, you’ll find uses, and just buy or make the simple bolt type install tool.

Alistair

Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:16 pm

Um, but they're not really blind. I suppose a plastic molly would work. Kinda... plastic on hole in steel, and screws that aren't stainless. Better that running a cable tie through the two holes, and pulling everything very, very tight. No screw problem, but plastic meets steel remains.

Screw and nut is probably the best answer. IF I can get to the under side of the floor. Not having a Westy or Bentley handy, I'\ve got no answer to that leetle teeny question.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:19 pm

You should be able to access the under floor area with the spare tire removed.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:21 pm

Argh... I was afraid of that.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 2:28 pm

RBEmerson wrote: Um, but they're not really blind. I suppose a plastic molly would work. Kinda... plastic on hole in steel, and screws that aren't stainless. Better that running a cable tie through the two holes, and pulling everything very, very tight. No screw problem, but plastic meets steel remains.

Screw and nut is probably the best answer. IF I can get to the under side of the floor. Not having a Westy or Bentley handy, I'\ve got no answer to that leetle teeny question.

They can be installed from the inside. No need to go under van.

I did it, was easy. But suit yourself with bolts and nuts :-)

Alistair

Sat Feb 12, 2022 3:47 pm

RBEmerson wrote: Argh... I was afraid of that.

You can just make out the fasteners for the accelerator pedal on either side of the tube that carries the cable.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:29 pm

A couple of SS screws will work.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:24 pm

dobryan wrote: RBEmerson wrote: Argh... I was afraid of that.

You can just make out the fasteners for the accelerator pedal on either side of the tube that carries the cable.

Was the clamshell dropped to get to that?

Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:25 pm

Timwhy wrote: A couple of SS screws will work.

Do you recall what size (number 6, 8, 10)? Carrying the right hardware back to PHX is a big win for us.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:32 pm

RBEmerson wrote: Timwhy wrote: A couple of SS screws will work.

Do you recall what size (number 6, 8, 10)? Carrying the right hardware back to PHX is a big win for us.

Sorry I don't recall. I have so much hardware around the house, that I just grabbed what I thought would work. They are short and slightly thick though.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:23 pm

The rivet is 4.8 mm x 10mm
Use a 3/16" x 1/2" screw, it will fit just about perfectly. Use a lock nut.

Or

Just put in a 3/16" x 1/2" pop rivet.

Dave

Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:29 pm

RBEmerson wrote: Was the clamshell dropped to get to that?

Lower the clamshell and remove the spare. Bob’s your uncle.

Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:34 pm

Timwhy wrote: RBEmerson wrote: Timwhy wrote: A couple of SS screws will work.

Do you recall what size (number 6, 8, 10)? Carrying the right hardware back to PHX is a big win for us.

Sorry I don't recall. I have so much hardware around the house, that I just grabbed what I thought would work. They are short and slightly thick though.
Hmmm... sounds like maybe #10. I've a bunch of stainless hardware left over from out boat. There's probably a winner in there. Toss in some thread locker, and life should be good.