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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 1:01 pm Post subject: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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I am installing the GW pop top struts. We chose these because of the locking feature, 2 small children sleep up top and it has always been in the back of my mind them pulling the bars and....
Anyway, I have one strut in place and I do not like the riv-nuts at all. They do not create a positive hold. The rear bracket wiggles a bit and I don't see how, even with silicone, water is not going to get in there due to its un snug fit.
Have others noticed this with the riv-nuts or did I install them improperly? _________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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skills@eurocarsplus Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007 Posts: 16803 Location: sticksville, ct.
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 1:37 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure |
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I have never had issues with them. the real trick is to make sure the hole is just big enough to put them in. I usually don't clean the flashing away when drilling the hole. also I make them snug enough to have to slightly tap them in with the butt of a screwdriver.
some cheap ones do not have the teeth knurled into the head. avoid those _________________
gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
Jake Raby wrote: |
Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
Brian wrote: |
Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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Bassyaks Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010 Posts: 1135 Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure |
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I use them daily in my business, never a product problem, however there can be an installer created problem. Never drill a the hole larger then what they recommend as others have said, try reinstalling by collapsing it again, it will crush. You didn't collapse it enough. |
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termuehlen Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2012 Posts: 986 Location: Redwood City
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 2:15 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure |
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Maybe it is too late, but if you buy pop top assists from Jack Bombay you don't need any riv-nuts.
https://poptopshocks.blogspot.com/ _________________ 1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx |
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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 2:20 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure |
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Operator error...i did not tighten it enough. _________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 4:06 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure |
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unsure of the intent of this comment; as it is clear that GW struts had not only been purchased, but were in the process of being installed. _________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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termuehlen Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2012 Posts: 986 Location: Redwood City
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 9:01 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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I am glad you got your problem resolved. I was merely trying to let you know that if you were in a situation that was not easily solved, there was another option available. _________________ 1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx |
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shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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So what would cause my riv-nut to be uneven once crushed? Like the trim around it is not flush with the body panel.
Also GoWesty sent me my tool with like 5 serrated washers on it, plus a rubber at the bottom. _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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Squidfish Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2004 Posts: 336 Location: 95519
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:56 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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That is their "riv-nut" tool and each washer is to discarded once used for each riv-nut install. There are instructions on their web site and should be some in your packaging too.
As to being off-center/un-even, try re-tightening via the riv-nut tool instructions, it could be loose. The hole should barely have fit the riv nut insert. |
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E1 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013 Posts: 6379 Location: Westfalia, Earth
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:10 pm Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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I just removed our GW struts and definitely have concerns about water getting in there. Think I'll seal them with button-head Allens and silicone.
The Bombay design was the original lift solution, is far less intrusive, and thus superior. Plus the struts don't leak oil and stain the tent like both my GW sets have. _________________ ‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman |
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shagginwagon83 Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016 Posts: 3786 Location: VA/TN
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Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 3:32 am Post subject: Re: Riv-Nut displeasure (SOLVED) |
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gonewesty4good wrote: |
That is their "riv-nut" tool and each washer is to discarded once used for each riv-nut install. There are instructions on their web site and should be some in your packaging too.
As to being off-center/un-even, try re-tightening via the riv-nut tool instructions, it could be loose. The hole should barely have fit the riv nut insert. |
Ah okay - I reused the washer each time. However they looked good after I tightened them a bit. Thank you!
E1 wrote: |
I just removed our GW struts and definitely have concerns about water getting in there. Think I'll seal them with button-head Allens and silicone.
The Bombay design was the original lift solution, is far less intrusive, and thus superior. Plus the struts don't leak oil and stain the tent like both my GW sets have. |
Well, to say the Bombay are superior is somewhat a stretch. The GW are superior in more assistance given their mid lifting point - as opposed to the rear. I just installed the GW set and they advised me to remove the lock/dust shield.
But the Bombay design is superior in installation. Not having to make holes in your body is nice.
So it just depends on what you value more. I'm going to be having 3 bars, 200w of full frame solar, and maybe even a cargo box up there. _________________ Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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