Could anyone offer some help/direction on the reattachment of the adjustment springs for my 68 firebird headlamps. I've just redone all of the parts and have new springs and it appears the originals we installed with rivets which are no longer there. I picked up some Dorman headlamp rivets, the plastic 2 piece, but they don't appear to fit into the bottom of the spring unless I need to open up the bottom of the spring a little bit. Am I using the right part to attache the springs to the assembly plate? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
My local Ace hardware carries a complete line of Hillman fasteners. I found some solid steel rivets that worked well for reattaching the springs and mounting tab. I think rivets were 3/16" diameter but can't remember - maybe 5/32" diameter. To set the rivet I found drilling about an 1/8" hole maybe an 1/8" deep in the center of the rivet made them easier to peen. A heavy anvil and a punch to peen was used to set the rivets. Rivet a couple pieces of scrap together to get the hang of setting them and how much material to remove from the center of the rivet. I was able to reuse my Nylon adjuster blocks but the screws was dead. Replaced with Dorman # 42119. (a little longer but they work) Also, the 1/4-20 square panel nuts are available from McMaster-Carr part number 90680A135. Pack of 25 for $10
