Above ground - replacing plastic joint pins with Steel (or Stainless steel hardware)

[wizardmt70]

Would it be a good idea to replace the plastic joint pins with a nut and bolt? I'm pretty sure stainless steel hardware is out of my price range but even with the wear and rust on regular hardware I think it would last longer than these plastic pins. Any thoughts? Anyone ever done this?

 

[DarrelB]

Seen a few pictures of it done, and stainless hardware is not overly expensive. More than regular of course, but not huge. Go to a industrial supply warehouse, they will be cheaper than big box store for sure.