Removing plastic rivets to install mud flaps?
 

My mud flaps have arrived and I've reviewed the instructions and am ready to install them. Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on the best way to remove the existing plastic rivets that must be removed before installing the mud flaps?
-Nate

If it is like mine were, there is a plastic center 'rod" which is pushed in to expand the rivet and hold it in place. There are three alternatives:

(1) Pry the rivet out a little bit carefully with a thin blade, push it in, and hope the rod/dowel then sticks-out enough that you can grab it with a small pliers and pull it back. The rivet should then con out.

(2) Use a finish type nail of the right diameter and carefully tap the dowel all the way through, using the blunt end of the nail against the center rod/dowel. You should then be able to pry the nail out, or use a screw to first screw in a couple of threads in the resultant hole, and pull it out.

(3) Carefully drill it out with a drill the diameter of the rod/dowel.

That's the technique I used, and should work for you if the rivets are the same.

Penguin has the right idea. I took a center punch and knocked the rod out and then pried out the rivet.

Wen i fitted my mud flaps the UK instrictions stated just to get a small punch and knock teh centre pin right in, this releases the rivert and you can withdraw it with you finer nails.

Knock it out with a small punch. I just used a small screw driver to do it.

Yep small punch, I just used an awl, pointy screw driver, just push them in a little to release then pop out the rivet. Didn't take much pressure even on most, had to lightly tap one. You only need to push then in about1/4 inch and then it will all pull out in one piece!

You do however need the special rivet gun for plastic rivets to put them in.

Does anyone know specifically what rivet gun is needed? I tried regular guns from Lowe's/HomeDepot, and none seem to work, even when plastic rivet fits into the opening. I ended up buying some similar rivets from at one of these stores, they only need a hammer tap...

The rivets that came with my mudflaps did not need a rivet gun, as they were the kind which expanded when the center rod was pushed-in flush, not pulled-out like a normal rivet. I believe it is only the wheel arches that require a rivet gun.

No rivert gun is required, the new riverts supplied with UK mudflaps, you simply push into the hole untill the flange is flush with the mudflap, then push / tap the centre plastic pin inuntill it is flush with the rest of the rivert. This is what locks it tight.