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Post by Teachndad on Dec 30, 2016 11:03:53 GMT -8
Hi Friends, I was lurking around VTS and came across the new teardrop marker lights that they are selling. Upon reading the reviews, one person pointed out the relationship between stainless steel and aluminum can create corrosion. You can read the actual review here. www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Teardrop-Marker-Light-p/vts-214.htm. Just scroll down to read the most recent one. VTS does respond to the review and you can read that as well. I am curious to hear what others think of this issue. Is this issue a worry for people or not? Comments? Rod |
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 30, 2016 11:32:33 GMT -8
I agree with VTS that the possibility is real but small. Our old trailers are filled with dissimilar metals touching, galvanized screws, aluminum skin and rails, steel frame, copper tubing and wire. All my old lights have aluminum bases, steel sockets and copper wire all touching and they are ok 60 years later.
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Dec 31, 2016 7:23:23 GMT -8
If still in doubt about the corrossion between disimilar metals then a thin plastic shim placed between the lamp base and the aluminum siding could be installed.
there also is a corrossion preventive stuff that is available for aluminum wiring.It can be purchased at most any hardware store where wiring supplies are sold.
It is used on the wires that goes into a household breaker box for the wires coming from outside into the box.
it might be possible that if the base of the lamp and the screws holding the lamp to the siding were coated with this it might help to prevent the corrossion.
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Dec 31, 2016 8:57:21 GMT -8
I believe that the problems caused by dissimilar metals in this case is pretty much negligible. If you have ever removed an old teardrop marker you would find rust in the shape of the base on the painted surface behind, but really no damage to the aluminum siding.
Most of the marker lights and such would need to be installed with putty tape behind to seal the openings from weather, so no extra layers would need to be added anyway. Also, coating the screws with anything besides dielectric grease may cause a break in the ground for lights that are grounded through the skin. This is not to mention that the screw threads would "wipe" clean of anything coating them as they grab the layer of aluminum skin.
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