Antenna upkeep for winter?

[Break It]

The snow and salt are playing havoc with anything aluminum on my vehicle. My Predator 10K and the brass mount are having corrosion issues.

I have since replaced the mount washer with a stainless steel one, covered the SS mount hardware with a quality all weather anti-seize, and I wipe down the antenna with a terry cloth on occasion.

For the antenna, I know that WD-40 is a no-no, and have heard mixed reviews about using a quality metal polish or car wax. Is there any product I can put on the antenna that will help protect it and not cause issues?

Thank you for the input.

 

[desync0]

Not sure if it would affect RF, but clear coat does wonders for aluminum rims....

 

[Break It]

True, that did occur to me. I'm thinking not so much for antennas only because I've never seen one with clear coat.

I'm thinking of a quality aluminum polish. I do not want a mirror-shiny 7 foot here-I-am stick glaring in the sun. Just a thin coat of a protective material that has negligent affect on antenna performance. Is it possible?

 

[mackmobile43]

RAIN-X?

 

[Break It]

Hmmm. Good for wet stuff, no doubt. I wonder how it holds up to salt? I'll have to give that a try on a test piece.

After a little bit of homework, I'm starting to wonder why, or even where, I read that a wax or polish is not recommended. I have seen antennas that are anodized, which makes sense in that it can be conductive. The oily WD-40, maybe an insulator or some impedance changing effect.

Does anyone have a copy of an antenna compendium that can be referenced regarding antenna coatings?

 

[desync0]

Krylon: Products: Matte Finish

If you decide to go the spray clear route...