Ferrari 458 Italia, Technical Documentation Manual

Page: 46 / 2012

1.15 Repair methods
1.15.7 Straightening
Aluminium behaves differently from steel when it is being
straightened. The risk of stretching the material is considerably
greater with aluminium. Aluminium panels should preferably be
pressed rather than beaten. Because of the particularly high
strength of the aluminium extruded sections and aluminium
castings, straightening cannot be carried out on any part
of the Space Frame structure. Any damaged parts must be
replaced.
The scope of the repair is ascertained by superimposing
the measurement points of adjacent components on the
straightening bench. Straightening work to correct the
dimensions of normal structural panels (e.g. bulkhead, side
panel/rear closure panel, spare wheel well/rear cross-member,
etc.) is possible to a limited degree.
1.15.8 Riveting
Riveting consists in the formation of a non-detachable joint by
plastic deformation of the rivet itself.
Self-piercing riveting
Self-piercing riveting is one of the most important joining
techniques used on the bodywork of the Ferrari F458 Italia.
This technique is used to join aluminium body components
together and to join aluminium with steel body components.
One example of where this method is used are the ultra-high
strength steel reinforcements which are joined to the aluminium
cover plate of the
A pillar.
The self-piercing rivet is made from steel and has a special
coating. In repairs, the original self-piercing rivets are replaced
with solid rivets. The self-piercing rivet joint is removed by
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pressing it out with the riveting tongs. When doing so, observe
the following precautions:
ಶ If required, make cuts first
ಶ Adjust the riveting tool to the thickness of the material
ಶ Insert the tip of the punch into the stamped area of the
panel
ಶ
Pull out the self-piercing rivet with the riveting tool, taking
care not to tilt the riveting tool as you do so
NOTE!
Self-piercing rivets must not be drilled or ground out.
Ensure that the riveting tool is adjusted to the thickness
of the material before carrying out any job. If the flange
is not accessible with the riveting tool, cut the damaged
part out roughly.
If the self-piercing rivet is not accessible with the
riveting tool, the aluminium may be drilled out around
the rivet using a welding spot milling cutter with a
sprung tip.
Sparks produced when grinding are an indication
of remnants of rivets in the material. Remove these
remnants and change the grinding disc.