Aluminum Screws??

[Judi]

We are renovating/restoring a '50 Star Camper. In sealing the roof seams/windows we've learned that all the seams across the camper were put together with steel spiral nails into the aluminum panels to create the very simple (and NOT-water tight) lap seams. There was a type of tar-impregnated fiber tape between the panels that served as a sort of butyl-tape, but it had long ago given up the ghost...... So..... after carefully removing the spiral nails, cleaning between the panels, and re-sealing with Lexel polyurethane, I screwed everything back together with #8-32 steel pan head screws, being careful to pull as much polyurethane down into the hole on the threads and under the screw head.....

   My question/concern..... I really don't want to use/keep these steel screws... electrolysis, rust, plan to polish the camper....  Where can I find aluminum screws to complete this project? Should I be considering something else? What have other people used/done in similar situations?

  Jed

 of Judi & Jed

[butch taylor]

you might want to use stainless screws as they are much stronger and will not rust. a company called fastnal might have the aluminum screws you want. hope this helps

[Tony durfey]

Hi,

    Just to add a note to Butch's excellent thought.  Stainless is the way to go but make sure you get 316 stainless.  A lot of stainless fasteners are 308 stainless and will rust.  Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[richard nance]

i used stainless screws