[Antennas] repairing a 2M 5/8ths mag mount antenna, antenna mount question

[Philip KO6BB]

Hi All,

A loo-ooong time ago I was given an old Hustler 5/8ths wave mag mount 
antenna.  For a couple of years it's been "stuck" to the sheet-metal roof of 
my mobile-home to use when operating 2M (seldom).  Some months ago it 
finally gave up the ghost when the SWR's went bananas and became erratic.

Since I'm getting ready to put a 2M in the truck (recently acquired Alinco, 
not my first choice, but the deal was "right") I want to put the Hustler 
into temporary service until I can get a good 'foldover antenna' for the 
truck.  The truck is over 6 feet high and the carwash I use is 7' Max).

Anyway, I managed to get the Hustler mag-mount apart and the problem was 
very evident.  First, the coax is flaky and needs replacement, but more 
important, the plastic (nylon?) insulating washers in the mount are caked 
SOLID with rust, apparently metal migration from the metal plate assembly 
the magnet attaches to.  I suspect moisture got into it and somehow caused 
the metal (rust) to migrate across the insulators, too far gone to recover.

Since this is a pretty 'cheap' antenna (27.00 at AES) it's really not worth 
the cost of buying a new (3/8 x24 thread) mount for it.  But I need some new 
nylon shoulder washers that will take a 1/4 inch bolt.  I checked my junk 
box.  A LOT of odds and ends, but no nylon shoulder washers large enough (I 
could make one from a hard rubber grommet though).

Since I just discovered this tonight I HAVEN'T yet checked with Ace Hardware 
(my best local source of odd fasteners).

Three questions:
1.  Is it likely they'll have something suitable in washers?  If not, where?

2.  What is a good substance to replace the thin plastic sheet that prevents 
paint scratches?  I had to destroy the original to get the mount apart. It 
wasn't in good condition anyway.

3.  I've noticed that 'most' of the foldover 2M antennas use a PL-239 
connector instead of the usual NMO.  I've also noticed that SO-239 roof 
mounts seem to cost more than the NMO units.  Do they use them because 
they're sturdier than an NMO mount?  How about reliability?

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
DX begins at the noise floor!

Ten Meter CW Beacon KO6BB/B, 7 Watts 24/7 on 28.248MCs.
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