Salvage old vertical antenna

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I have an old HF Vertical that is about 20 feet tall when assembled.
The loading coil (?) seems to be open (VOM). I would like to dismantle
the assembly in hopes of salvaging as much as possible to do some
experiments with it.

It could also be a CB antenna, I don't recall where I got it...

The cover over the coil seems to be plastic, but much harder than PVC.
It also seems to be tight. The bottom of the assembly where the
connector is appears to be metal. The top of the coil assembly seems
to be sealed tightly. Unless some one has a more appealing idea I am
going to chuck it up in the lathe and start peeling the coil cover to
see what is inside.

The antenna top has a couple of wires bent in an egg-beater kind of
configuration.
Pictures:

Doesn't appear to be any way to mount it on a mast/tower. Nor any signs
of being mounted. I guess I would see if the nut on the UHF connector
can be removed and the galvanized steel washer removed. That would let
you peer into the thing and see what is there. May not even be a coil
in there.

I am surprised you waited tis long to dismantle it!

Paul, KD7HB
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It has a light but sturdy bracket that I have already removed. It is
pretty rusty but I believe i will clean up well.

I have a lot of projects around here that have been waiting a lot of
years. Some of them have found new homes.

John Ferrell W8CCW

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Can't tell you the make or model, but am just about positive it is an old CB
antenna. My father-in-law had one just like it mounted on his roof for many
years out on the farm.

Sam - K7SAM

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Yes, this was a CB ground plane design. There should have been a bracket
that attached at bottom (metal coax connector area) and at top of loading
coil.

The application of heat with a heat gun (NOT a torch or open flame) - should
allow the plastic composite to slip off the coil.

Greg
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I am glad I asked! The heat gun sounds like a better way than the
lathe. I will try that first.

John Ferrell, W8CCW
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It came apart pretty easy. The plastic cover looks like PVC Conduit.

The coil between the center pin and ground is 9 turns- Tap to center pin - 4 turns to ground

The bracket assembly is pretty robust.

Driving the lower rolled pin allowed the coil form to separate from the tubing.

The metal bottom seems to be a pot metal casting.

Gee whiz! I never knew a 5 watt CB transmitter would melt the plastic coil form...

The next session I plan to drill the brass pins out of the plastic tube and perhaps that corroded in retaining screw. I am beginning to think most everything here will need replacing.  I am impressed with the sturdy construction. I hope to imitate it on the way back.

12-19-2005, To be continued....