Black Streaks

[Leroy Eckert]

I waited one year to post the results of my idea just to be certain it worked.
My coach lives outside in Florida. Although it resides 30 miles from the beach
things can get nasty. I concluded that steel self tapping screws used by BB in
the manufacture of the coach were the major problem. Even though the heads were
painted, over time the paint cracks at the base of the screw and allows water to
be introduced. If not addressed, bad things can occur resulting in streaks and
body deteriation.
I embarked upon a mission to replace all exterior screws with stainless sheet
metal screws. Most of the screws were #10 one inch long. I purchased them from
ACE.There were some that were 11/2" long screws and a few were 2". One at a time
I removed them, used clear silicone to seal the hole and installed the new
screws. I can say today that 90 percent of the streaking is gone.
I did not paint the heads of the screws, I left the detail similar to hardware
used by aircraft owners on cowling and inspection panels. My coach is Indian
Silver primary and Cumulous Grey secondary so it looks very nice. Others may
think differently.
I am considering replacing the pop rivets that surround the bay doors with
stainless hardware to include aircraft grade Tinnerman washers and countersunk
screws. Tinnerman washers allow for movement where pop rivets do not. At this
moment I do not have a problem in this area.
Just wanted to share this with the folks restoring their coaches. Stainless
fasteners are not much more expensive than other products.
I have used stainless screws on aircraft I have owned for 30 years without any
problem.
Just finished my custom installation of the PTMS from Stephen this weekend.
It was hot, really hot.
Regards;
Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL
Royale Conversion


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