Lower Shroud Mast Rivets missing

[britinusa]

I was working up the mast and as I descended, I noticed that the Port side Lower Shroud Mast connecting plate is missing 2 rivets, at the 11 o-clock and 4 o-clock positions.

By inspection I do not believe the rivets were ever installed. The plate shows no sign of movement and I can see what appears to be pilot holes in the mast behind the plate.

I plane to fix that with Pop Rivets, just looking for advice on the type of rivet, any anti corrosion application, advice etc.

Thanks.

Paul

[Ben H.]

Hi Paul,

I just repainted my whole mast this spring an in the process removed and reinstalled all those plates. They are stainless steel so a stainless steel rivet would match it best. There still might be a little reaction over time with the aluminum mast, but you'll have mixed metals either way. You could dip the rivet into Lanocote or something like that to add a little barrier before installing.

[britinusa]

Thanks Ben. Can do.

Paul

[Roc]

Hi Paul.
Or, you may want to get some Tef Gel.  This is made for dissimilar metal contact.
http://tefgel.com/contain.php?param=tefgel_infor

[rmbrown]

I'm with Ben... but Lanocote vs. Tef Gel is a question I ask myself nearly every weekend.  I have a jar of each and am never sure!