This is a Hy-Gain Super Penetrator CLR2 antenna I picked up many many years ago for the 10 meter repeater. For years, I used fiberglass antennas alike the Big Stick or the Antron 99 for the repeater. After several lightning strikes on the 10 meter repeater sites, as well as strikes on the 2m and 440 repeater sites using fiberglass antennas like the Diamond and Anli antennas, I'm DONE with fiberglass antennas. It's a proven fact that fiberglass antennas develop a strong opposing charge on the shell as wind blows across them during a storm, making them a target for lightning. They're not so bad for side-mounted or low altitude installations. Stay far, far away from a fiberglass antenna for high altitude repeater installations, use only DC grounded metal antennas.
The first step in this rebuild is to remove years and years of oxidation from the aluminum. I like to use Scotch-Brite pads for this. They easily remove the oxidation and really bring an aluminum antenna back to a nice shine. Disassemble the antenna and be sure to clean into all of the joints. Here's a quick pic of before and after on the 10 meter receiver's receive antennas, after just a few seconds of cleaning with a red Scotch-Brite pad. I'm pointing at a spot I just cleaned...
Dave WB4IUY
