So, today I was installing the bottom and back panels on my ’26-’27 coil box rebuild, but those stainless steel rivets are so tough, the first one broke my rivet gun. (I guess lifting those 10# weights every morning really helps with the old forearm muscles.)
Once I got that one taken care of, I used aluminum rivets of the same size to replace the other stainless steel rivets. I trust this will not cause some bi-metal interaction problems with the bottom contact strip?
Otherwise everything worked great…nice fit everywhere and obviously much better than the old wood that was in there.
Besides some aluminum oxidation at some point on the rivets, any problems here?
Since the contact electrically is via the brass power connection screw there at most could be some corrosion around the alum rivets in future years but that effect will be more cosmetic than anything. Those stainless rivets are tough on some rivet tools and a bit easier in others. The obvious reason those are used is to prevent galvanic corrosion and just plain rust if steel were used. You should be good to go.
Thanks, John. I didn't think there would be any issues, especially since I soldered the brass screws to the contacts and since the rivets don't have any electrical connection. Just thought I would check. I guess I needed a tougher rivet tool. We'll see how this new one holds up.
I broke my pop riveter on those SS rivet too. I ended up swedging the rivets on the bottom with a hammer/punch and put bolts on the side panels.
Jim
They used to make something called Aluminox(?) that was used on aluminum wire to stop the corrosion in connections which would probably help. Probably to late to get it on the inner sides of the rivets but it might help what's exposed..
Yes they are tough!
Burndy makes a compound called Penetrox A to prevent corrosion when aluminum is mated with copper. I think its basically zinc dust and oil or grease.
Given that any compound or lube can migrate, I think I would either stick with the stainless if possible or just try to live with a bit of corrosion. Electrical connections are important and putting something foreign in the box can get on the coils and perhaps cause mischief later in some other way. You could perhaps use a stainless screw in there but you need to be mindful that it has to be a low head height to not cause the coil to sit on it rather than on the bottom contact.