How to remove mudflap rivets on Planet Bike fenders?
08-22-19, 03:48 PM
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How to remove mudflap rivets on Planet Bike fenders?
The mudflap on front fender broke off after thousands of miles and getting kicked by my toe a few times (toe overlap).
I bought replacement mudflap from Planet Bike, and it comes with snap-on plastic "rivets." But to install the replacement, I first have to remove the steel rivets holding the husk of the original mudflap to the fender.
Is there any way to pop the original rivets apart (e.g., with a flathead screwdriver), or do I just need to use power tools (dremel or drill) to remove?
Pictures show rivets from both sides: on the inside of the fender where most of the mudflap broke off, and on the outside in an older photo.
I bought replacement mudflap from Planet Bike, and it comes with snap-on plastic "rivets." But to install the replacement, I first have to remove the steel rivets holding the husk of the original mudflap to the fender.
Is there any way to pop the original rivets apart (e.g., with a flathead screwdriver), or do I just need to use power tools (dremel or drill) to remove?
Pictures show rivets from both sides: on the inside of the fender where most of the mudflap broke off, and on the outside in an older photo.
08-22-19, 03:54 PM
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You could grind off the mushroomed "flanges" of the rivets from inside the fender and push the remaining stubs out. It could also be drilled out from inside but might be difficult to keep the rivet from spinning with the drill bit. I think trying to pry the rivets apart would do more harm than the power tool approach.
08-22-19, 04:07 PM
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I second the power tool approach. I use a drill larger than the rivet and drill to the washer. Yes, the rivet spinning can ve an issue but it has never stopped me. I go #8 or #10 screws for the replacement. Now, I drill the rivets out on the fenders when new because every Planet Bike fender I've purchased has had a toy flap; nowhere near as deep as it should be. Install my homemade flaps with the screws so future replacement is easy.
Ben
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08-22-19, 06:26 PM
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Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'll use a dremel or drill next time I'm in Seattle. Or maybe my fiance will do it before then.
Yeah Ben, the base-level Planet Bike "Hardcore" fenders have short mudflaps that don't accomplish much. I ordered a pair of mudflaps for the higher-model Cascadia fenders (pictured, with much longer mudflaps), and will install on the front of my bike (where mudflap broke off) and on front of my fiance's commuter (which has new fenders but could really use a longer mudflap for Seattle commuting. Rear less important since neither of these bikes get used in pacelines.
