I need to refurbish my 67 original antenna mast. It is my understnding that the base and ball tip are chromed, while the long mast is bare stainless steel. My base shows the wear and nicks of too many wrenches! I would appreciate any recommendations of a good source to rechrome the tip and bottom, and polish the stainless.
-
-
Re: 67 Antenna Refurbish Source
The base of the antenna can be removed from the SS mast IF you're careful and persistent. Once it's off, it can be sent out for plating.
On the mounting nut, you'll find some judges look for the 'sloppy flash' adjacent to the hex facets characteristic of factory original parts. BEWARE, most platers will strip the existing plate off and polish out as many 'imperfections' as they can when doing a plating job. You wouldn't be the first to wind up transforming a correct factory original into a 'reproduction' part by letting a plating shop over-polish and remove the factory original part telltales!
On the mast's ball tip, most platers will NOT attempt to re-chrome it while it's still attached to the mast. I haven't found a decent method for removal... But, I have heard from other NCRS members who did the trick (selective chrome plating) using their Caswell home plating system!
For the SS mast, why not do this yourself? I wouldn't try hitting the rod with a buffing wheel as there's a decent potential for 'wrapping' the rod if you're not careful. But, a simple wrap-around section of VERY fine wet/dry sand paper ought to clean off extraneous surface dings and oxidation... -
Re: 67 Antenna Refurbish Source
I know this hobby is all about restoring cars, but at some point you have to ask yourself a question.
In trying to fix something, will I run the risk of making it worse?
I've found that judges are more tolerant of ORIGINAL pieces that might not be 100% in terms of condition. However, if you've made an attempt to restore it and it doesn't work, then you might not be any better off in terms of judging, AND you've spent time and money to get that zero level of improvement.
Just food for thought.
My 67 mast antenna (original) is bent a little. I've taken a 1 point deduct in Chapter judging on it. Am I going to fix it? Nope. It's original. I've seen original masts go for $700 on eBay. I'm not running the risk of damaging mine.Chris Enstrom
North Central Chapter Judging Chairman
1967 Rally Red convertible, 327/350, 4 speed, Duntov @ Hampton in 2013, Founders @ KC in 2014, family owned since 1973
2011 Z06, red/redComment
-
Re: 67 Antenna Refurbish Source
Man, I can't agree more! Knowing what the specific end game is BEFORE you go out to pretty-up/restore this/that item is one that's often overlooked...
In the 'good ole days', before widespread use of the internet and facilities like this Discussion Board, we used to get off our back sides and travel to attend this/that NCRS meet. There, we'd used cameras and take notes plus talk/interact with senior judges to understand what they were specifically looking for in terms of originality and authenticity.
But, those days are essentially gone... Now, we want the baby without the labor. We want it electronically WITH pictures and don't want to tolerate differences of opinion that do tend to exist.
And, your bottom line (it's only a point or so) is dead nuts on. Too often, good original parts are sacrificed on the alter of trying to make the 'perfect' for judging. You CAN live with a lot of 1-point here/there deductions and still make Top Flight or Mark of Excellence!Comment
-
Re: 67 Antenna Refurbish Source
The typical take is original mast balls were 0.3" in diameter while current service replacement masts have smaller, 0.25" ball tips. While that doesn't sound significant, one you sight down the 'antenna line' of Corvettes on the judging field, the tiny difference begins to LEAP out at you!Comment
Comment