Actuators / Rivet Gun ???

[JoeMega]

I am getting ready to replace my actuators and was wondering if there is a special rivet gun I need to get or will a standard rivet gun dot the trick? I ordered an actuator kit from 50Resto (looks like it will be delivered today) and I dont have a rivet gun nor have I ever used one. Where is the best place to pick one up at? Thank you.

JM

 

[8950HO]

I don`t know if a regular rivet gun would work.

When my brother was working at a Ford dealer body shop,he said they used a huge heavy duty mofo of a rivet gun for those door lock actuator rivets.

 

[xpeteyjtx]

You don't have to remove the rivet. You can just pop the actuator from its bracket and put the new actuator back in. This is how I replaced my driver's side actuator... but I unfortunately do not remember whether you must pull the actuator down or up to get it off the bracket. Make sure you try and support the bracket when pulling on the actuator. Good luck, I hope your hands don't get too cut up like mine from the door.

 

[JoeMega]

One of the brackets are broken and I noticed that on the other bracket the rubber piece came out, so both of my actuators were just free hanging. I might be able to reuse one bracket but one will definitly have to be replaced. I might just end up using screws instead of rivets.


Thanks
JM

 

[jrichker]

So you paid $$$ to buy 50Resto's actuator kits? If you had posted your request in this forum, you could have done both sides for less than half of the cost of one 50Resto actuator.

Follow this link to fix your door lock actuator problems http://jrichker.stangnet.com/Mustang_tech/door_actuator_fix/1_of_8_door_actuator.htm

Stuck with door lock actuators that don't work and don't want to pay the $50+ for a new one? Tried the junkyard ones and found that they last six months and freeze up?

A new actuator for less than $4. Fix one side for $17, do both sides for only $23. I don't sell parts, I don’t make any money off of the upgrade, I just tell you how to do it cheaply and easily.

Even if you don't like my actuator fix, visit the web link. There is lots of good stuff on replacing the door lock actuators.

 

[glowstang93]

I usually just get mine ready to rivit and go to a local body shop. They charged me like a buck last time to pop it in. Unless you need a special rivet gun for something else, just pay the small fee and have them riveted by the shop.