[TowerTalk] refurbing aluminum

[k3mm at comcast.net]

I rebuilt a couple of mine quite a while ago...before M2 had the upgrade kit.  I bought the KLM rebuild kit at the time which included new cap tubes and plastic caps, new straps, and other plastic pieces.  The KLM upgrade required drilling vent holes on the inner tube inside the cap tubes.  I used #6 SS sheet metal screws through all the element joints in addition to the clamps.  I used their conductive grease throughout.  I think I replaced the baluns and the balun clip.  Of course, I inspected and replaced any obviously damaged pieces, which wasnt much.  I replaced a couple of boom to element blocks because of cracks.  Thats about it.

If I decide to rebuild another, I'll use the M2 kit which has better machined clamps.  I might consider using aluminum "pop rivets" instead of screws as well.  I spent an incredible amount of labor doing the rebuilds because they are very complex antennas...lots of pieces that have to be right and tons of screws/bolts.

My rebuilds have been up for about 8-10 years now with no significant trouble and we've been through some ice storms, etc.

Ty K3MM
> Is there anyone out there that's real proud of their refurbishing efforts on
> older beams?  I've to 2 KT34-XAs and 2 KT34's sitting on the ground, and the
> current wisdom is to use WD40 to get them apart, and no suggestions yet at
> all on how to make it look shiny again.  Has anyone succeeded at a renewal
> project?
> 
> Rex K1HI
> 
> Merrimack, NH 03054
> PHONE	603-860-7651
> HOME	603-889-7650
> FAX	603-882-6612 
> 

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