Bent Power Antenna
My antenna mast was bent in the down position. I straightened mast as best I could but mast wouldn't go up. I removed antenna and applied current on the bench. Antenna would go down about 4" to full down position and would go up to the original position and stop. Good news is cable appears to be sound. There is still a little bend in lower antenna mast and I am assuming the slight bend is keeping the antenna from going up. Before trying to straighten I am looking for any input from members that might have a knowledge of this situation. Being ultra careful due to lack of parts and services for these antennas.
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Re: Bent Power Antenna
Walter, you are correct in proceeding with caution as you would have better luck finding some moon rocks than obtaining a new drive cable. Before you do any more bench testing I’d suggest you dismantle the antenna assemble to ensure your drive cable is in fact not broken or damaged. It’s common for the drive cable to rust and become stuck inside the second from the top telescoping section. Search for my ‘66 antenna disassembly thread on this forum where Richard Mozzetta provided many detailed pictures and sketches showing how these antennas come apart.
If you can provide a picture of how badly your mast is bent, myself and others on the Forum may have some ideas as to what your options may be.
Also, initially you may want to carefully only remove the wax/plastic coating on the cover that goes over the spool. When I was working on my antenna I cut around the perimeter of the spool cover and removed the coating in one piece. After I finished repairing my antenna I was able to reattach the coating by using some clear silicone as an adhesive.
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