Timing indicator rivits, how can I easily get them out?

The original timing indicator on my 70 Norton is in bad shape, the marks are faded and hard to see. Got a new indicator but now I need to get the old one out.
There is no easy way to get ahold of the rivets to get them out. I am thinking that I could either cut a slot into the rivets for a screwdriver or I could flatten the sides to give me a better "purchase" on the rivets with a small pair of vice grips. I also think that heating up the boss where the rivets go might help.
Ideas and thoughts are more than welcome.

BTW I know that the odds of the indicator being in the correct spot for exact timing are slim and none but you have to start somewhere.

John in Texas

The one time I've attempted that I failed miserably. The rivets have a spiral shank like a coarse self tapping screw and they just won't come out. I ended up drilling them out and using epoxy to attach the new indicator plate.

A small extractor bit and a reversible drill will take them right out. If they are like the VIN plate rivets, they are driven in and the spiral threads bite into the base metal as the rivet rotates. The process is similar to drilling them out, but doesn't risk the grooves (threads?) in the base metal so new rivets will go right back into place. Extractor bits are left-handed (they rotate counter-clockwise). They are basically a combination of a left-handed drill bit and an Easy-Out. As you drill, the bit binds in the rivet (or screw) and turns it out.

Re: Timing indicator rivits, SUPER EASY

These rivets are MUCH smaller than steering head ID plate rivets.
dremel tool cut off abrasive wheel to make to flats/grooves in opposing sides of the rivet. NOT impossible to drill but very difficult to keep centered if free handing it. I would much rather remove the rivet than hollow it out with a drill :?:

use end cutter pliers: https://www.channellock.com/356-Cutting-Plier.aspx
grip rivet flats with pliers...pull out while twisting to accommodate the spiral splines

no need for heat

Re: Timing indicator rivits, SUPER EASY

dynodave said:

These rivets are MUCH smaller than steering head ID plate rivets.
dremel tool cut off abrasive wheel to make to flats/grooves in opposing sides of the rivet. NOT impossible to drill but very difficult to keep centered if free handing it. I would much rather remove the rivet than hollow it out with a drill :?:

use end cutter pliers: https://www.channellock.com/356-Cutting-Plier.aspx
grip rivet flats with pliers...pull out while twisting to accommodate the spiral splines

Click to expand...

Yup, that's the way I pulled the rivets when my timing scale paint had flaked off leaving the timing plate barren of any scale markings. I dremeled 2 small flats opposite each other on both rivets and just gripped the rivet head with a visegrip and spun them out counter clockwise. It took longer to cut the tiny flat spots on each rivet, than to twist them out....

Yup. Me too.
I spun mine out with a little mini ViceGrip that I had. Came right out.
Just make sure the jaws have a solid bite on the head. Don't use an inferior wrench.
The spiral rivets don't offer up much resistance in the alloy cover.
Be sure to pull up on the rivet when twisting too.

Thank you all for your input. I will head out to the garage and give it a go and post my results later today.
Again, thanks.

John in Texas

Again, thanks to all. I used my Dremel tool and cut flats on the rivets. Warmed the bosses up a little and used a quality honest to god Vise Grip tool and they came out with absolutely no problem.

John in Texas