If you drill the holes you are creating a point for rust to begin. You really should take it to someone who has a Uni-Spotter or similar setup and have the pins welded back on. I have the tool and it works great for welding the pins on, I did my buddy's fastback.

 

Do you have a link so I can take a look at the device you are talking about? Do you buy new pins or reuse the old ones? Thanks

 

You buy new pins. I have a huge bag of them. The tool is very expensive as in $250 and up depending upon which kit you get so it is not something to buy for a one time use. It is mainly used in body work to pull dents by welding copper pins to the body that are grabbed by a special slide hammer. The pins are broken off when done and you don't have all the holes of the old fashioned method.

I suggest you find someone local that has one and wants to help you out over a few beers. If you were local I would be happy to help.

 

I just remembered my father-in-laws body shop has one of these welding guns, i've used it several times. I have only welded the long copper rods to pulls dents, do you have to use a special tip for the metal studs? Where did you purchase the studs?

 

There is a special tip for putting the pins on. You should contact your father-in-law and ask if he already has it....it is likely that he does. If not you can order the kit from the manufacturer and it would not be expensive. The pins are avaialbe at any well stocked auto paint supply store and if they don't have them they can get them for you.

 

I appreciate all your help. Thanks again, Brian