Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.

Lye; use great caution!

I would get some wet and dry (emery cloth type stuff), 600 grit or so
and apply a generous supply of "elbow grease."

End up with a very nice and SHINY antenna!

JS

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

"Geoffrey S. Mendelson" wrote in message
...
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Mag wheel cleaner does a pretty good job. Wipe it on ,hose it off.

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

John Smith I wrote:
Lye; use great caution!

I would get some wet and dry (emery cloth type stuff), 600 grit or so
and apply a generous supply of "elbow grease."

End up with a very nice and SHINY antenna!

Thanks. Geoff.


--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

Jimmie D wrote:
Mag wheel cleaner does a pretty good job. Wipe it on ,hose it off.

Thanks, Geoff.


--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.

John suggests lye (caustic soda). Jimmie suggests mag wheel cleaner
(diluted phosphoric acid). Both should be handled with appropriate gloves
and eye protection. I suggest you use Scotchbrite (or other scouring
implement) with soap & water... it works well for me.

Bryan WA7PRC

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

"Bryan" wrote in message
...
Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.

John suggests lye (caustic soda). Jimmie suggests mag wheel cleaner
(diluted phosphoric acid). Both should be handled with appropriate gloves
and eye protection. I suggest you use Scotchbrite (or other scouring
implement) with soap & water... it works well for me.

Bryan WA7PRC



I agree, probably a better approach than the chemical methods. Just the last
time I did it I had a can o fwheel cleaner laying around and had to try it

Jimmie

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

no fear
vinegar and baking soda

On Jun 9, 11:00 am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog athttp://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.

Cameo Aluminum and Stainless Steel Cleaner. Available in many grocery
stores. Used with Scotchbrite pads it does an amazing job.

tom
K0TAR

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

On Jun 10, 4:00 am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog athttp://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

hi Geof, i have always uses a nebch-grinder with a wire wheel,it will
clean up the alluminium like new .....or even steel wool will do the
trick ....

bob vk4la

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
On Jun 10, 4:00 am, (Geoffrey S. Mendelson) wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog athttp://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

hi Geof, i have always uses a nebch-grinder with a wire wheel,it will
clean up the alluminium like new .....or even steel wool will do the
trick ....

bob vk4la


I tried steel wool on AL once. It left little bits of the wool imbeded in
the AL that soon rust.

Jimmie

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

wrote:

hi Geof, i have always uses a nebch-grinder with a wire wheel,it will
clean up the alluminium like new .....or even steel wool will do the
trick ....

Thanks, it does sound like a bit much for me.

Geoff.


--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM
IL Voice: (07)-7424-1667 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838
Visit my 'blog at http://geoffstechno.livejournal.com/

Cleaning an aluminum antenna
 

Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:
I have Cushraft 2m vertical antenna made out of aluminum. It has been
sitting out in the weather for 10 years and could use a good cleaning.

Anyone have any suggestions for common household products that would
do the job?

Thanks,

Geoff.
I have taken aluminum antennas apart and cleaned the parts with a green
'scrubby' or Scotchbrite pad. it cleans the oxidation off well except if
it is really pitted. After all the parts are clean and shiny, reassemble
the antenna and adjust it for the frequency desired. After all is
working well, clearcoat the assembled antenna with clear spraypaint.
This also goes for the antenna connections as well. I tape them really
well with scotch 88 electrical tape and then clearcoat the assy. I was
in the commercial radio business awhile ago and learned this trick. The
paint seals the aluminum from the elements and also seals any tiny holes
that may be in the wrapping job. 73's Steve KA1LHZ