Hi All,
Dave, I replaced all brackets and plates by stainless steel ones from John Worrall (HoE). The problem was to find S/S U-bolts because it seems not possible to find in Europe except in Germany where I found some items, but at price of massive gold. These zinc platted U-bolts are virtually dead every year as they are mounted so exposed to water and everything on the road. Fortunately I was not alone and someone here gave me a company in the USA who made these items in good quality S/S, so I ordered, polished and installed. I used all metal lock nuts, so it prevents loosing themselves as usual with S/S bolts and nuts and are not affected by temperature.
This has been a tricky job because as usual JW items was of a very high quality, but unfortunately the holes didn’t fit my car (2003 Plus 8) and I had to remake oblong holes in all the brackets. In a something in stainless steel of 6mm thickness it is not an easy job (4 holes on every bracket). I did that 18 months ago and all look as new.
BR.
Daniel.
