In a message dated 3/19/04 11:00:02 AM Pacific Standard Time, ncoxsr@wt.net
writes:
> I have a Rohn HDBX tower that contains sections where the galvanizing has
> failed and the metal is rusting. I've considered rust stabilizer coating, "
> cold galvanizing", and having the sections regalvanized.
> The sections can be regalvanized at a moderate cost in the North Texas
area
> for $0.48/lb. However
> a representative for the firm providing me the quote warned that warpage
of
> the sections would probably
> take place because of the high heat involved in the process. I have
learned
> that "cold galvanizing" isn't
> galvanizing, just coating with a zinc rich paint. The rust stabilizer
sounds
> good but I wonder how it well
> it would work on a tower constantly exposed to the weather. Also, the
> regalvanizing processs includes
> removing the old galvanizing and then hot dip galvanizing. The cost is
$0.16/
> lb to strip and $0.32/lb to
> galvanize. My Rohn HDBX32 has been up for 21 years. Any suggestions?
>
Rohn BX uses zinc plated steel so it's never been hotdipped. I think
another problem is that the rivets will get melted out during the hotdip
process.
Anyway, don't get it hotdipped galvanized.
Get a wire brush and wire wheel for your drill and use LOTS of elbow
grease to manually get the rust off. Then spray with a *good* cold galv spray.
(You'll know it's a good cold galv because it'll cost more than the typical
hardware store stuff. <A
HREF="http://www.championradio.com";>www.championradio.com
</A> has some professional grade stuff.) It'll be good for years afterwards.
BTW my first tower was a used BX. By the time I spent HOURS getting the
rust off and the $$ to buy enough cold galv spray, I'd have been MUCH better
off buying a new one. I'll never try to refurb another one, that's for sure!
(It's only slightly less ghastly a job than refurbing a KT34A or XA. Ugghhh!)
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH --
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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