Replacing Rivet on Lionel Crane Car Trucks

I would not recommend pop rivets, as they are used to hold items tightly together, and your truck would not swivel. To break the shank off, the rivet has to be tight, not loose.
Get the proper rivet, and roll over the end using the proper tool. The Brakemans' Riveter BR-2 has the punch and correct rivet set for your job.

I have used pop rivets successfully in the past. Have to be very careful when drawing them tight as the rivet gun will totally secure the rivet and thus the truck. What I did was tighten in several light squeezes until it was secure but still allowed for free movement of the truck. I then removed the gun and tapped the shaft out of the rivet. It works for me.

John

Thanks for everyone's input. I scrapped the rivet gun idea and drilled out the old rivet with a 5/32 drill bit and used a #8-32 x 3/8" round head machine screw with a #8-32 nylon lock nut. All done.

I've done a number of trucks with the Brakeman's Riveter, great tool and is perfect for the job. I find a lot of factory cars have very loose trucks as well, the Riveter is perfect for tightening them up so the cars don't rock so wildly on the track.

Most of the parts places have the truck rivets, they're readily available.