Hardware - 316 S.S. vs Chrome-plated die-cast Zinc ?

[eamarquardt]

But I doubt you'll find my teardrop floating in the Pacific Ocean anytime soon.

Yes, but it's nice to keep your options open.

As has been pointed out, plated die cast was the std for a lot of car hardware for decades. It will, though, not last forever. I just fabricated a wind wing hinge part for a 1951 Olds 88 that was plated pot metal (it broke). I duplicated it in SS and it will outlast rest of the car.

Just because you can see the screw heads, it doesn't follow that they can always be removed. If you through bolt the hardware and double nut the inside you can turn the screw head till the "warm place freezes over" and you still won't get the hardware off.

IMHO the prime consideration is strength.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[absolutsnwbrdr]

But I doubt you'll find my teardrop floating in the Pacific Ocean anytime soon.

Yes, but it's nice to keep your options open.

As has been pointed out, plated die cast was the std for a lot of car hardware for decades. It will, though, not last forever. I just fabricated a wind wing hinge part for a 1951 Olds 88 that was plated pot metal (it broke). I duplicated it in SS and it will outlast rest of the car.

Just because you can see the screw heads, it doesn't follow that they can always be removed. If you through bolt the hardware and double nut the inside you can turn the screw head till the "warm place freezes over" and you still won't get the hardware off.

IMHO the prime consideration is strength.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

Thanks Gus. So since the working load is the same for the SS and the chromed zinc (270lbs) you would agree with Doug that the zinc would be fine for this application?

(2) SS would be $200. (2) die-cast chromed zinc will be $64.

My trailer isn't going to be a modern masterpiece like some of the builds around here, so I think I will be happy with the zinc, and spend the extra $140 on other parts.