Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1979 corvette brake rotors, corvette brake, brake rotor

Question
Do I need a drill press to remove the old rivets from a front brake rotor I need to replce or can I drill it by hand?  Why are those darn things in there anyway?

Answer
Have you bought just the rotor for your car? Some of these the rotor is only available as a hub and rotor. If you can buy just the rotor you can hand drill the rivet but a drill press is preferable. Some makers wanted to make sure that the rotor would stay on if the wheel came off.
Brad