The advice I received from an antenna guru (for what it is worth) is

"
For cleaning aluminum tubing, an antenna guru recommends the use of #0 steel
wool, along with dishwashing detergent. First wet the aluminum tubing with
water and wet the steel wool. Add a small amount of dishwashing detergent to
the steel wool and then scrub the aluminum. Rinse out the steel wool
periodically with water. Then add more dishwashing detergent to the steel
wool and clean again. Rinse off the aluminum tubing periodically. After
cleaning a piece of aluminum tubing, rinse it thoroughly with clean water
and then dry it off with a clean rag. When assembling an antenna after
cleaning the aluminum, apply a very thin film of Penetrox-A anti-oxidant to
all of the aluminum-to-aluminum connections. Unless you totally disassemble
and clean the traps, never attempt to clean the outer aluminum shells of
antenna traps as water and steel wool fragments can enter the traps causing
shorts and excessive trap moisture content.



When assembling any aluminum antenna, put a thin layer of based-based
anti-seize compound on all aluminum to aluminum joints. These are Penetrox-A
from the Burndy Corporation or another is Noalox. Never varnish any
antenna - the varnish penetrates into the joints and causes continuity
problems. Painting antennas for stealth can be done. Disassemble the
antenna, apply paint, then scrape away any paint where the aluminum makes an
electrical connection."



Comments welcome


--
Incognito By Necessity (:-(

If you can't convince them, confuse them.
- - -Harry S Truman




"cme" wrote in message
news
Can one clean the elements on a antenna, to bring it back to its former
self
, as when it was new, with some steel wool or something. Oil the
attachment
point so they dont corrode.

Is there any mainenance tips one can do for an antenna.