[TowerTalk] cleaning aluminum beam elements

[N7KA at comcast.net]

SCOTCH BRITE or similar nylon scouring pads and water.  Pads usually found at home improvement stores.  Why mess with WD40, kerosene, etc that create a mess and then must be cleaned off. Use wet scouring pads.  I keep a bucket of water to soak he pads.  Rinse with water and wipe dry with paper towels or cloth.

A nice clean dull non-reflective surfce.  The antenna just became a bit more invisaible by not reflecting light.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT  on all my antennas.

Another aid in the process; keep a beer handy, though do not wase it on the aluminum.  And for the UK folks a substitute pint of bitters.  Ah, yes, fond memories of plowman's lunches while traveling in UK.

DO NOT do this process on the concrete patio or drive way.

Arne N7KA

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Artmouton" <k5fnq at cox.net> 

> I am putting up a used Cushcraft A3S (with 4- meter kit) that was up for a 
> few years (local conditions in S. Louisiana with salt air and usual crud) do 
> that it has the usual tarnish, dirt, etc on the elements. 
> 
> Local suggested cleaning it with steel wool and soap and water. 
> 
> I intend to break each section down, clean it, open the traps, replace any 
> bad end caps, remeasure and re-construct. 
> 
> Just wondering if there were any other suggestion from the group? 
> Art K5FNQ 
> 
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