Evening All,

I'm currently converting a 'fleur de lys' van into a food van. At the moment, head height in the back isn't enough to stand, it needs to be raised be about 350mm.

Does anyone have any advice on rivet bonding? 

I quite fancy doing the work myself as I'm doing everything else myself, also, the vans not running and I'm fed up of paying to get it moved. I feel like welding will be too testing of me. I have a gassless mig which is ok for rough bits, but dont think id get the finish im looking on the panels so thought rivet bonding could work?

The plan is to cut the roof off just behind the doors, heighten the steel structure inside (welding) and then rivet a 350mm filler panel down each side, Obv there will be some faffing around at the front and back, but you get the idea. The van is vintage and so the rivets will be inkeeping with the character.

From what I understand, I'd be taking the panels back to metal, clamping the formed panels in place with probably a 50mm or so overhang, using a suitable metal to metal adhesive and riveting the joins.

Also, its going to be a food van, not a show vehicle. Ill put a good amount of work in the prep and paint and will be happy if the van looks good for the next 5 years. Im open to people's opinions if they think its a complete no no as I don't see it done much. 

Thanks!

 

 

Link to photo showing the inner metalwork below 

https://i.postimg.cc/HkJPNQgX/IMG-20250923-WA0003.jpg

 

Image of van here . . .

Edited September 23, 2025Sep 23 by fleurdelyspinto

I don't see any obvious issues with what you're planning, it's not structural like a monocoque and a large proportion of kit cars have riveted on bodywork.

I'm assuming you're thinking of pop rivets, if so stainless ones will be much stronger (but quite a bit harder to "pop") than aluminium ones.

Good luck !

Steve