Re: More WP&Y, Car details

Interesting concept, aluminum passenger cars to save weight. Problems with galvanic corrosion are easy to solve, we've been using stainless fasteners in aircraft for years. Usually cad plate the fastener and install with wet paint or sealant. Plastic sounds like a far easier solution, only problem is wear and decay. The plastic will probably need replaced every few years, depends on what you use. As far as painting aluminum, it's not easy, and it scratches off easily. Welding is widely used in industrial applications, and with the correct alloys is the way to go. Most all of the tooling built at Boeing is aluminum and welded. We just don't weld anything that goes in the plane, we have even gotten away from welding ducts. I'll talk to one of our tool designers about what they do to weld, when I get a chance.