kaffi311
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1963 Shasta 16 SC
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Post by kaffi311 on Jul 13, 2019 20:05:08 GMT -8
Just making triple sure I am using the right ones- we use sheet metal screws for exterior right? Metal skins, windows, jrail etc? NOT wood screws. Am I correct? Thanks K
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Post by vikx on Jul 13, 2019 20:48:58 GMT -8
Correct; Pan head sheet metal screws.
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kaffi311
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1963 Shasta 16 SC
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Post by kaffi311 on Jul 14, 2019 6:06:38 GMT -8
I think it's also important to ask the gauge and length of the screws. Thanks. Rod Oh believe me- I got that one down after all my searching . Just in all my searching I had trouble finding the specific type. What I am using: #8 pan-head phillips sheet metal screws (!) 3/4" long for skins, windows, jrail and awning rail, and #6 pan-head phillips Sheet metal screws for brows, lights, etc. Stainless if going unpainted, zinc if getting painted. Thanks for clarifying! Much appreciated
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theresa
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from Northern Maine ~ Proud new owner of Lola, a 1960 Shasta Airflyte and Pearl, a 1962 Mobile Scout
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Post by theresa on Sept 2, 2020 12:03:50 GMT -8
kaffi311 do you remember how many of each you ended up ordering/buying? And is there anything you had too many or too few of or something you would have done differently? I'm trying to calculate in my head how many I'll need that will get painted... just those that hold the skins on themselves I'm guessing? Most people not paint their C-Channel and J-Rail and baggage, window, and light screws I'm sure. Or do they?
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Sept 2, 2020 14:20:24 GMT -8
I use Stainless steel pan head sheet metal screws on jrail and windows that are unpainted. Zinc on screws you will paint.
Usually #6 3/4”.
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Sept 4, 2020 11:32:44 GMT -8
Why is pan head important? Is it to match aesthetics of the era, or something else?
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Post by vikx on Sept 4, 2020 19:53:16 GMT -8
Pan heads fit flat against the metal when tightened.
Flat heads have a flare and they need a formed divot to fit into. As the flare seats, the flat head is flush with the metal. They won't give a good seal for our purposes.
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cloudlesssky
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1948 Boles Aero 14'
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Post by cloudlesssky on Sept 17, 2020 18:00:01 GMT -8
I was trying to understand screws and ran across this guide that's pretty good: 3 Common Screw Types at a Glance – Machine, Sheet Metal, and Cap ScrewsI am pulling the windows from my Boles to reseal and wanted to have proper replacement screws available in case the originals disappeared. After measuring carefully I purchased some #6 3/8" 18-8 stainless steel "wood" screws. They arrived today and are a perfect match (length, pitch, sharpness, point). (BoltDropper.com via Amazon). From what I read machine screws have threads their entire length whereas wood screws do not. In these shorter lengths they are the same. I also found another type of screw head that I initially thought might be better than a panhead for securing sheet metal material: a truss head. It's slightly wider so I thought it would distribute the load better. BUT then I remembered about the galvanic corrosion issue between SS and aluminum and decided the smaller panhead was the better way to go.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 17, 2020 19:05:08 GMT -8
First, was your Boles Aero model built with a wood wall frame, or was it a aluminum wall frame. They built both (Mira Mar and Zenith).
Your going to go crazy with different kinds of screws, different heads, different screw materials, different diameters, different threads, etc, etc.
You cannot go wrong with #8 stainless steel Pan Head sheet metal screws. You will need to stock them in different lengths. The most common I use on trailers are 3/4", 1", and 1 1/4" lengths. They are available at any industrial hardware store for about 9 cents each when you buy in bags off 100 per size. Do not buy them at Ace, True Value, HD, Lowes, etc for 50 cents per screw. Mc Master Carr is another good on line source. But I highly recommend you take the time to find you local Industrial Hardware store because you will need lots of different things that you will not want to take the time to mail order. I cannot think of even one place to use wood screws on your trailer. Gold plated dry wall construction screws work well were you cannot see them, and stainless pan head, and I also use oval head screws (counter sunk) are used anywhere they are visible.
One more thing, make certain you look carefully at the package when you buy your SS screws. They come in phillips head, slotted head, square drive head, and hex. I'm not even considering the vintage clutch head screws like was used on my 1958 Mallard. You want to have some uniformity, I like to stay with Philips, plus they are easier to drive without error.
John
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lilwayne
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Post by lilwayne on Jun 6, 2021 12:51:42 GMT -8
Just making triple sure I am using the right ones- we use sheet metal screws for exterior right? Metal skins, windows, jrail etc? NOT wood screws. Am I correct? Thanks K Thank you for this! I had the exact same question.
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