![]() I have a 1977 painted aluminium clad caravan that was my late father's. We use it a lot and it's in great condition. I've noticed that there are getting more signs of oxydising on the aluminium skin and I'm wondering if its the screws causing this? It's always been barn stored when not in use. Over the years my father replaced a good percentage of rusting steel screws with stainless steel ones and whilst the screws are still ok the aluminium isn't. The oxydising isn't particularly around the screw areas but spread out over the panels. There are no water leaks I can find and all the timber framework is dry as seen when windows and vents have been replaced. There are still quite a few rusty steel screws in place which would need to drill out and many stainless steel screws which seem ok.ĭo I need to remove all the screws and replace them? If so what with? I am keen to rub the caravan down and repaint it but want to address the oxydising issues first as best as I can. We love the caravan and its family history so are keen to keep it going as long as possible.Ī. ![]() The rusting screws will continue to rust, so it would be best to replace them. The stainless screws are fine, and are used all the time in similar situations, and not the cause of the oxidation. Further, zinc plated screws won't last and will soon rust as they have in the past.Īfter you are done with whatever screw replacement you are going to do, the bare aluminum can be buffed to remove the oxidation and restore the shine, and a clearcoat like Everbrite can be sprayed or brushed over both the bare and painted areas. (Note to purists: this is not to say that there are no galvanic issues between stainless steel and aluminum. You can't use stainless screws in critical aerospace applications for example. But those little screws are not the cause of broad swaths of oxidation that's just a normal thing that happens to aluminum over time). ↓ Closely related postings, oldest first ↓ Thank you for your reply and advice, it's much appreciated. I have a question regarding the appropriate choice between zinc plated steel and stainless steel part when in contact with aluminum. We are designing an electronic enclosure which has Aluminum Extruded Side walls. ![]() The aluminum sidewall has grooves running the length of the part. The lid is currently a stainless steel plate which runs through the groove and in contact with the sidewall. The aluminum side wall is anodized on the outside surfaces but the grooves are left natural. The reason for this is to ensure there is an electrical connection between the side wall and the lid (this is essential for EMC Shielding). ![]()
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