Best Way to Put on Vents?

[VTMTcowboy]

Just got some side panel and hood vents from Mountain Fit Hoods and was wondering what is the best way to put these on? I have seen some who use a hole saw and just drill out three large holds where the vents are on the side panels or possibly drill pilot holes and then cut out the rectangles/squares. Also what is the best way to do the hood vents without cracking the hood? I've never done this before and want to avoid any and all mistakes. One more question too, I've never used rivots (normally just bolt everything when necessary), but do you drill small pilot holes first? Any advice would be awesome. Thanks.

Ben

 

[deepdiver]

On the sides I prefer to drill circular holes with hole saw. I like to leave some strength to the already weak structure of the covers.
Hole saw uses a pilot bit. Much faster than exact rectangle cuts and with the vent covers you cant see them anyway.

The rivits will be the easiest thing you can do in life. With a hand rivit tool avail at any hardware store..you will have to pre drill 3/16(USUALLY) in holes depending on the rivit diameter. you just put the rivit in the tool press it in keeping presure on it and start exersizing your grip muscles..they will "pop" hence the name pop rivits.

I have a air tool...just pree the button with one finger. If you already have an air compressor you can buy a cheap one from Harbor frieght that will get you by.

If you own your home a compressor is very valuable and you will find it to be a life saver for those jobs like base board trim..use a brad nailure...building a fence...sanding something etc...An air ratchet is my favorite...opps tools sorrry for the A.D.D

On the clutch side think about your placement in re to where the back of the rivit will be. I didnt and it was right in the tight space that I needed to get the belt removed. That rivit is no longer on this planet.

On plastic I use a small washer as a backing piece on the back side of the rivited material..if you space this after a few beers no big deal they will hold fine.

Have fun...this is an easy 4 beer job.

 

[SLDHVN]

use the blue masking tape to cover the side panels, then lay the vents on and make whatever measurements to place the where you think will be the best, then mark them out on the tape. Try to leave the spaces between the openings on the vents for more strength.

An air driven die grinder works well and you can be precise with it too, i know the inside will never really be seen but i like it to not look like i drank a myself retarded before i did it.

I take the two vent panels, left and right, and lay them on top of eachother(back side to back side) and use two clamps to hold them together, then i drill holes for the rivets(carefully), this makes half as much drilling for you and they are the same on each side.

everyone one has their own way depending on tools they have and personal preference, its an easy job, just do it right the first time, side panels arent cheap.

Good Luck!

 

[SwampCat]

As stated,( the vent on clutch side ) rivet placement can get interesting. I used stainless button headed allen bolts on belt side to facilitate belt changing, topped off the bolts with acorn nuts, stainless also.

 

[VTMTcowboy]

Sounds great! I will put all the advice into work over the next day or two. Thanks again. This is why Snowest is so great, people like those who posted that are willing to help anybody!

 

[sledneck_03]

i found the mountain fit rivets pull WAY too hard and deformed the vent bad so i went and got plastic rivits and it turned out alot nicer. And yes strategical holes with a hole saw are alot easier than large rectangular holes.