The Silver Streak E-mail ListArchive Files[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] Re: [SilverStreak] Hinges for Silver Streak
Bev, Thanks for the kind words. I was sorry the battery thing turned into a less than pleasant finality but I learned a lot from all the others. I just avoid the G word now, which got controversial. I tend to think real inexpensive which is also called cheap, but I have limited money to spend so some things get the best and some things I try to hold down the costs. Batteries have limited life so it's mainly a personal preference and what can be afforded. There are very good Gel-Cell batteries but all are expensive to my budget. I will say that if I could afford Gel-Cell batteries, I would not put them outside of the trailer as is a must-do for the lead acid type. All Gel-Cell batteries are sealed vacuum packs including the little deer feeder and burglar alarm batteries. Gels can be mounted in any position and put anywhere unlike the acid type. Batteries do better when not in the sun or heat and now they get "legs" in this time of thievery. So one of several benefits of the Gel-Cell is that the battery, all the connectors, and wires can be moved to the inside and nicely mounted and concealed without making special provisions for corrosion control and ventilation. It takes it out of the "see me, take me" arena. Here in Houston there seems to be periods of street shopping to fill pick up truck with batteries that will bring $10 each at the corner scraper. Easy to make $300 to $400 daily for just the effort of breaking a window and popping a hood. I have been caring for my mom in my home since 1998. There are many others on this list who have had the same privilege and commitment. She cared for both sets of her parents in her home so I have shoes to fill without complaint. Each circumstance unique, I truly understand those who have made the same choice. Her time is very short now. To say this is hard, lonely and financially devastating does not begin to describe. A bunch of old trailers, motor homes, and this list provide some sanity in an otherwise unpredictable circumstance. I learn a lot. Most especially I learn there are others. I think it is really neat that Ralph has something in the works. It will be good to see a stainless set of quality hinges. I would make in aluminum because I can work with it and weld it. I struggle with mastering stainless welding and it won't cut or drill without a lot more work. The welds of the stainless discolor and are hard to get back pretty. I think the only way is to break-bend all the 90 angles and loop-fold the hinges. I don't have those tools and would have to weld. The aluminum welds, break-bends and polishes more easily. I can use schedule 40 walled tubing for the hinge and weld. I am amazed that with all the quality of Silver Streak, they chose to use a pot metal cast hinge that like Ralph said, begins to fail from the moment it is installed. Even if the most meticulous maintenance was performed, the hinge loops eventually break if the trailer is used on the road. He is wise to not install his beautiful new hinges. Those should be saved and maybe put on display in a museum. -Eddie- Houston, TX
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