Date:         Tue, 3 Jun 2008 22:38:45 -0700
Reply-To:     Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Stainless in your Vanagon?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

There are two stainless steel alloys sold at most hardware stores, type 304
and type 318. Type 318 is harder, as Scott points out, and less resistant to
corrosion. Type 304 is a softer alloy, higher in nickel, and more corrosion
resistant (it's also the same grade used in most cookware). I've used type
304 on battery terminals, and you'll never over-torque one in that
application as battery terminals are made out of lead (the el cheapo
option), or tinned brass, either of which is way softer than the stainless
steel bolt. And if you're like me and don't really get down and clean your
battery terminals all that often, may I suggest paying the extra moola and
getting the Optima - - all other considerations aside, I think that the
cleanliness of the Optima is well worth it! But that's just me :^ ) YMMV and
BTW my two Optimas (red top) have both lasted 5 years now (another subject I
know, but thought I'd throw it in for thoroughness).

Gary