Replacing Front Pass Door Power Lock Actuator (solenoid)

[GordonB]

Need some insight regarding replacing front pass. door Power Lock Actuator/Solenoid. I have the new Ford replacement part with the new pop rivet. Need the correct size pop rivet gun to replace the actuator/solenoid. So I go to Lowe's and look at all of the Arrow pop rivet guns with said part & rivet in hand and guess what? The new pop rivet is slightly bigger than 1/8 inch. Largest die/ferrule for the Arrow gun is 1/8" -- I even found an Arrow gun with a swivel head to go from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, but the new pop rivet won't fit in any of the Arrow guns Lowe's had. :confused: :(

Question: Who has done this repair and what/whose pop rivet tool did you use? And where did you buy it?

Thanks,
GordonB

P.S. I have NOT removed the door panel yet! Figured I'd get the part and the tools FIRST!!!!!

[GordonB]

Careful measuring of the rivet on the actuator shows 5/32" die/ferrule neededd for rivet gun. May have to re-visit Lowe's & Home Depot again and look more carefully at the Arrow swivelhead gun capabilities.

Supposedly, Arrow Fastener RHT300 Swivel Head Rivet Tool, that shoots up to 3/16-Inch rivets, should work.

If anyone has power lock replacement experience on TC, Crown Vic, MM, and MGM, pls holler back with yur experience.

Thanks,
GordonB

[frdwrnch]

These are 1//4" rivets and require a large two handed rivet tool. Harbor Freight has these most of the time. The one I have is called the "Big Daddy" Rivet tool bought off the tool truck.
Punch out the center of the original rivet and the drill it out. Attach the new door lock motor to the latch and then rivet it. Don't try to separate the bracket from the actuator as it is almost impossible to reattach these in the door.

[GordonB]

frdwrnch,
Thank you for the reply. Thank you for the tips. I figured someone here had already replaced one of their door lock solenoids already.
While waiting for someone to reply, I dug up the Harbor Freight swivel head rivet gun and will be going after it tomorrow. I figure I can use it once or twice for $10 and call it done.
Probably do this job as soon as the weather cools a bit.
GordonB

[mcgyver59]

Don't waste your money on a rivet gun you will.use once.
Nut and a bolt....done.

[fastblackmerc]

Stainless steel, 1/4-20 bolt, stainless steel washers and stainless steel locknut.

[GordonB]

I like the nut and bolt solution! That will work just fine! Final Answer -- a BIG thank you for the suggestion.

Just got back from Harbor Freight -- even took their rivet gun package apart and tried the Ford-supplied rivet with the actuator -- the gun ferrules were not big enough for the Ford rivet which is about 5/32" grip.

GordonB

[RoyLPita]

You'll have to remove the screws to the latch in order to get the actuator out.

[GordonB]

RoyLPita,
Thank you for the tip. I'll remember that when I disassemble.
GordonB