"Warren" wrote in message
...
The fiberglass insulator at the bottom of the antenna needs to be
replaced. Does anyone have experience with a substitute. I was wondering
about a PVC pipe section. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

73,
NS8R
Warren -

IF you are referring to the base section with insulator, a replacement base
section (for current model) for Cushcraft -- price was over $100 - last time
I checked.

The fiberglass base insulator is an epoxy-coated tube. The epoxy surface has
the tendency to "evaporate" and the bare glass fibers then are like a sponge
attracting absorbing dirt and moisture. CONSULT PA0FRI web site link below
for easy repair of this situation.

IF the fiberglass tube has cracked .. you will need facilities / equipment
to "press fit" the replacement insulator tube

I would recommend either fiberglass tube from a supplier (e.g. MaxGain) that
carries fiberglass tube
http://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-tube-rod.htm

OR the usage of Delrin.
Rick - WA6JKH uses solid Delrin rod for his GeoTool antenna product
http://www.geotool.com/morepix.htm

Cushcraft R5 and R7 repair web sites:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~pa0fri/Ant/R5/onhr5eng.htm

http://www.iol.ie/~bravo/r7_vertical.htm

http://www.qsl.net/ei7ba/r7_vertical.htm

w9gb