[TowerTalk] cleaning aluminum beam elements

[Roger (K8RI)]

N7KA at comcast.net wrote:
> 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.
>   
Hey! I'm proud of all the effort and money that went into all that 
Aluminum. I want that thing to shine like it was chrome plated and serve 
as a navigation beacon.! <:-))
> 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.
>   
Unfortunately on very large garage apron they'd never notice the 
difference. It was poured on a hot day, they used too much water, and it 
was over floated. Within a year the surface was spalling(sp?) badly.  It 
took 5 gallons of  epoxy to bond the surface and probably  another 5  to 
make it smooth again.  On top of that I have the apron at the shop to 
redo as well.  IF I was still working I'd just tear out the whole works 
and have it redone, but a couple truck loads of concrete is a bit much 
for my pension. <sigh>

73

Roger (K8RI)
> 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 
>>
>> _______________________________________________ 
>>
>>