Attatching welting with split grommets?

[SledDog]

What's the trick with securing the welting with split grommets? I'm trying to replace the welting on the grill using my newly acquired welt kit from WeeBee webbing that graciously supplied the elusive split grommets. I've determined where all of the holes should be placed in the webbing and everything lines up perfectly. However, what's the trick on securing the grommets on the split side under the grill lip? Please tell me I don't need a special tool for this!

Thanks!
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-Steve
'52 M38 MC68149

[Bretto]

To do it right, there is a special tool to roll them over.
http://walcks4wd.com/rivit-crimp-tool.html
I made my own by drilling 2 holes close to each other in a some 3/16" strap and cutting it in half.
Or if you don't really care, just stick them thru and flatten them out



_________________
Brett
'51 M38
PHOTO DIARY OF MY BUILD

[SledDog]

Excellent! Thank you! What size bit did you use for the holes? Did you just C-clamp them or use a vice grip or channel lock?

Much appreciated!

[wilfreeman]

I did basically the same thing - just using a 1/4" ball endmill in a piece of 1/4" thick metal. I used a pair of vise grips to clamp it down. You don't clamp it all the way down - just enough to curl the legs of the split rivet over just to apply pressure to pull the welting down.
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Matt
1953 M38a1
1964 USMC M38a1
'51 USMC M100 trailer, '54 M100 trailer, '90 M101a1 trailer
Http://wilfreeman.wordpress.com (M38a1 build blog)
http://m38a1usmc.wordpress.com (USMC M38a1 rebuild blog)

[Bretto]

You know I can't remember what size bit, maybe 3/16" and I used a pair of channel locks to squeeze it. I found that it helped to curve the ends of the rivets first so they didn't dig in to the die so much and it help it curve around in the die easier.
_________________
Brett
'51 M38
PHOTO DIARY OF MY BUILD