Replacing Rivets in H-AST Oil Tanks

[stoneface]

I need to repair/replace a few 1/2" rivets with corroded button heads (I do not think welding is the best solution.) and one recommended repair I've seen is to use replacement bolts; however, what is the technique? Removing the rivets is not a problem but: do the holes have to be drilled and reamed for the proper size?
Where can I get the replacement bolts for this use? Is the fit tight enough to prevent leakage or is some caulking necessary? Any tips or advice on where I might find the information?

 

[evelrod]

Having done MANY repairs of this nature in the past---after removal of the rivet the holes are reamed to the next oversize (generally) and either a new rivet or a special 'shouldered' bolt is used as replacement. Gasket, 'O' rings, caulk and simply a "tight" fit have been used depending on the application. On 'tanks' it is also quite common to weld the head of the bolt on the exterior of the vessel as a seal. The best thing about riveted tanks and vessels is that they are becoming fewer as new tanks replace them. Having said all this, the most common repair is simply to weld the hole or a patch over the hole, again depending on the vessel.

Rod

 

[stoneface]

evelrod:

Thanks very much for the information, it keeps me from re-inventing the wheel!

 

[Rjeffery]

If you weld the hole, do yourself and the welder a favor by inerting the tank.