Installing scuff plates in reefer

I once worked at a place that repaired trailers. Never installed them in refers but repaired - replaced them in dry vans. Had a 5/16 manual rivet gun. That rates about the same as busting rocks with a sledge hammer. Push the panels tight with load locks. Drill holes and pop rivets. Sometimes done while laying down.
It is doable if your trailer has wall studs. Air tool for big rivets is expensive. One for 3/16 rivets are affordable just never saw them on steel skiff liners. You could possibly just use more rivets.
There is a lot of difference in rivets. Most of that stuff you find local is junk. Buy them from a trailer builder.

 

I think I'd be in jail if I had my own new reefer.

 

Yea I don't think I could deal with that. There must be some way the old hands keep them from being so careless. But I've no clue how.

 

About $2500 here to put a 18" scuff plate on top of the little one you have. More now with aluminum prices/shortage. Have a few that started as 12" and added another 12" A lot more work than just riveting it on. Have to get the kemlite out and slide the new one in the groove and then get the kemlite cut to fit right in the new one.

 

You can get a couple of rolls 18" X 53' scuff guard for around $500. Cut the kemlite about 8-10" above the scuff plate you have and work it out of the groove. A good epoxy bonder and 4-5 people to hold it up and 1 to work it into the groove. 2X4's and load locks until it set's up and then do the other side. Or after you screw it up you'll take it to a trailer shop and let them do it. LOL
Cheaper than aluminum scuff plate and is pretty durable.