1. Assessment:
* Type of Rivet: Carefully examine the rivet. Is it a solid rivet, a hollow rivet (tubular), or something else? A hollow rivet might be slightly easier to drill out.
* Corrosion: Rust or corrosion can make removal significantly harder.
2. Attempting Removal (Least to Most Destructive):
* Penetrating Oil: Liberally apply a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench to the rivet and surrounding area. Let it soak for several hours, or even overnight, to help loosen any corrosion.
* Punch and Hammer: If the rivet is slightly loose or the head is deformed, you might be able to carefully punch it out from the back (the side where the hinge is attached to the body). Use a center punch to mark the rivet's center, then gently tap a slightly smaller punch with a hammer. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the hinge or body.
* Drill: This is the most common method. You'll need a drill with a drill bit slightly smaller than the rivet's shaft diameter. Drill slowly and carefully, using a good quality drill bit to prevent it from wandering. Drill from the back side of the hinge (the side attached to the body) until the rivet head is removed or the shaft is nearly cut through. Then, carefully use a punch to knock out the remaining rivet shaft. Wear safety glasses! Metal fragments can fly.
* Drill and Bolt Replacement (Recommended): After drilling out the rivet, you can replace it with a bolt and nut of appropriate size. This is a much more robust and reliable solution than trying to find a replacement rivet. Choose a bolt that's slightly smaller than the rivet's diameter to allow for easy insertion.
3. Important Considerations:
* Protect the Paint: Cover the surrounding area with masking tape to prevent scratching the paint during the removal process.
* Work Space: Have a well-lit and comfortable workspace.
* Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying metal debris.
* Replacement Hinge: Make sure you have a replacement hinge readily available before you start the removal process.
If you're not comfortable with any of these methods, it's best to take your car to a mechanic. They have the right tools and experience to remove the rivet without damaging the car. Trying to force the rivet could permanently damage your hood or body.
