Hi all,

Both rear mud flap brackets on my 2003 disco2 are heavily corroded, to the point the rear finisher and flap fell off on the right and it’s nearly the same on the left. I purchased new rear finishers oem and 2 brackets from rovers north. I went to attempt the job today, I replaced one finisher because it’s held on by screws, but all the other rusty connections are rivets. I tried drilling a few out with no luck, they are so rusted they start spinning.

Any advice on attaching the new brackets so I can hopefully put the mud flaps back on? I wonder if I need to cut it all out and try and figure out a way to attach them. I’ve attached some pics so you can see the extent of it.

Also, the truck is in great shape other than the rear rust!



The finisher/mud flap that fell off.

The old bracket

The new bracket

The new finisher

 

Do you own a four inch grinder or cut off wheel? When dealing with rusted objects, they are a must.

 

I have recently purchased one.. I haven't used the grinder yet just the cutoff wheel function. I guess it’s time to use it. Do I just grind the rivets until they pop off? Or is there more to it then that? Should I get a rivet tool and use new rivets to install the new shield or self tapping screws and/or bolts and nylon nuts?

 

Have you tried drilling the rivets out yet?

 

yes with no luck. I get through and the whole rivet starts spinning because the surrounding metal is so rusted.

 

Yes, just grind the head off and drill or punch out remaining portion. Yep, pop-rivet gun is a nice tool to add to your toolbox.