Stanchion Backing Plates

[storm petrel]

Storm petrel only has small washers under her stanchion bases and I am going to replace them with more substantial backing plates. I was thinking of using 1/8th or 3/16th inch thick aluminium about 50% bigger than the stanchion bases. I would appreciate some advice on what materials and thicknesses are being used for stanchion backing plates on other Tophats.

Cheers,
Mark

[Miker]

Mine has what look to be stainless backing plates, although they have been painted over, so it's tough to tell.

If using Aluminium, you may need to insulate it against the stainless to prevent corrosion.

Michael