trim plug and rivets

[Gurinski]

Hi everyone this is my first time here just bought a 91' woody with 55k on it. It runs great has a great interior but needs some bodywork. I was hoping to get the rust fixed and get a maaco paint job then put new wood(vinyl) panels and reuse the trim. As I was looking for parts I have only come across one site that sells the original rivets and panels. Now for the kicker the rivets are 5 for $15 and the plugs 5 for $10 thats $260. Not a furtune but for rivets and plugs there has to be an alternative. I thought of getting the adhesive trim but the one on the truck is in good shape also I would have to somehow plug the holes a chore in itself. Im thinking if I dont plug the holes it would promote rust from the inside out in like 52 places. Sorry for the rambling just wanted to explain the status of my truck.

[FSJ Guy]

Have the paint shop clean up and paint the rivet holes.

Put some plugs in and call it a day.

[Gurinski]

Have the paint shop clean up and paint the rivet holes.

Put some plugs in and call it a day.

By clean up you mean cover, then use adhesive tape on the original trim then put in new plugs? Sorry Im a newbie

[18cherokee]

i am replacing the wood vinyl & molding too & was thinking of just using a little bit of a filler over the top of the rivets once the molding & rivets are back in place - i mean, the holes in the trim are pretty small & a water proof type silicone filler would seal it up nicely & would easily smooth over just with your fingers - you can get it in brown, beige etc from home renovation stores i'm sure.

[FSJ Guy]

Have the body shop clean and paint the holes.

New adhesive tape and NO rivets.

[18cherokee]

true too - adhesives have come a long way in 20+ years.

[babywag]

When I de-wooded my '88 I saved all the plugs, also have a bunch from an '86 and an '88 I parted out.
How many do you need, I can look for them in the garage.

They really aren't rivets per say, just hollow tubes that press in.
Like FSJ Guy said, just go without using them.

[Gurinski]

When I de-wooded my '88 I saved all the plugs, also have a bunch from an '86 and an '88 I parted out.
How many do you need, I can look for them in the garage.

They really aren't rivets per say, just hollow tubes that press in.
Like FSJ Guy said, just go without using them.

It seems all the pugs are there or at least most of them. How do you remove them without destroying them. In total it was like 52 I think if I were to replace them all. The more of the originals I could save the better.