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Classic/Antique Car Repair/replacing ring gear in 1939 1/2 ton chevy

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Expert: - 4/24/2008


Question
While attempting to find someone who could assist me in replacing an old riveted differential ring gear, the mechanic I was referred to indicated that cutting and removing the rivets holding the ring gear was not the problem, the problem would be installing the new rivets. Can the rivets holding the ring gear on a 1939 chevy 1/2 ton be replaced with special bolts and nuts, or do I just need to continue looking until I find someone with the knowledge and the right equipment?

Answer
Well, a couple of things. According to my best sources the ring on the 1939 differential should be bolted on. 1936 was the last riveted ring gear. My sources could be wrong, as it would not be the first time. The rivets are not a big problem to replace and they are done cold in a hydraulic press. I just went though my tool box as I had a rivet forming tool that I used in the press to form the rivet heads, but I cannot find it. I think the problem with nuts and bolts is the clearance between them and the pinion. If you have enough room grade 8 bolts would do the trick. On the Chevy rings that were bolted on they were safety wired at the factory.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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