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[Pitt_Boss]

So I have this 49 Buick front seat and it has some stainless steel accents that have these what appear to be riveted nails (I don't even know the technical term for these) on the back of the stainless to hold them in place. Well wouldn't you know one broke off as I was bending it in place to secure it. I'm sure I'm not the first who has run into this problem. I searched for aftermarket or used parts and I can't find any. Try searching nails on the back of chrome or stainless steel car interiors on-line...I get the latest chrome nails trend for the ladies. Serenity now my friends.

Does anyone have a repair idea? I was thinking to have a new one welded on over the existing or drill out the old stub and somehow install a thread on the back of the stainless and secure with a screw Even drilling two holes and threading wire on the back of the stainless and securing it under the seat. I only have one shot on this. Let me know your thoughts interior warriors. Here are some picks for reference.

[Mazda Carnage]

If you could find a local body shop that has a copper stud welder, I doubt they would charge much to tack studs to the trim pieces.
The studs are electrically welded at low temp (compared to regular welding) with no splatter, damage or warping to the surrounding area.

You could just grind them to the length you need.

[Pitt_Boss]

Thank you so much for the valuable response! I really appreciate it!

[Mazda Carnage]

The "rivet nails" looked so familiar, I was reading your possible solutions thinking, that could work and that could work... Then I thought of slide hammer body studs and how much easier they would be to tack weld and position than any other solution.

I don't know how long it would take for the copper to corrode or how / if upholstery holds moisture but they could always be scuffed and painted or cleared to keep them from corroding.

[19stitches]

I have one of these stud welders, and they work well. The studs are copper plated steel, so they will degrade, but should be just fine for many years. I’m just not sure they will weld to stainless. Maybe find some scrap and try it first? Still, this is an excellent solution IMO.