Fixing Trim on the 1500 Super
Page last updated:- 19 May, 2006
I've spent a lot of time recently trying to find the pop rivets which hold the chrome strips on the sides of the 1500 Super. The correct, original, rivets are still available. See below.
I have found two other alternatives.
Alternative 1. The normal plastic number plate screw can be used to hold the chrome on. You need to rub a coarse file over the domed head of the screw to allow it to slip into the groove on the reverse side of the trim. The problem with this method is that you have to drill out the existing holes in the bodywork to suit the plastic screws. Purists may also not be happy to use the plastic "nuts" on the inside of the car. They won't be seen on the inside of the wings, or doors, but some will be visible looking inside the boot area. This is a cheap and readily available answer to the problem.
Alternative 2. Use Polytops 4mm pop rivet which is almost the same diameter as the original rivet. However it does not have quite the same shape. However, if you place a very small washer under the rivet head you should be able to clip the chrome into position. I was so sure I was going to do this that I drilled out all the holes on one side of my car to suit the 4mm rivet. (It is a very tiny difference between the 4mm and the original rivet's hole.)
As a price guide these rivets are around £28 per 1,000. Postage is a bit steep at nearly £10 but a thousand rivets are quite heavy. By my calculations you need 102 rivets per car.
As I was about to place an order for Polytops, I sourced the real thing. I'm really sorry for Polytops as they were extremely helpful and quick to respond. If you need pop rivets with coloured heads, contact Rose Farris at polytops at www.seac.uk.com . Highly recommended.
Alternative 3 
The real, original pop-rivet is still available from Bresco Vehicle Services.