[Elecraft] Tower Identification

[Jeff Burns]

An older ham contacted me this week about an antenna and tower that I could
have if I took it down. The owner has Alzheimer's and his wife wants the
tower down.

The person that contacted me told me the tower is a Rohn HDX 58. I have not
been able to find anything on the web that looks like this tower. I found a
reference to HDX towers, but they are crank-up models. This tower is
self-supporting and tapers towards the top, and is made of flat stock
riveted together. The bracing is in a crossed configuration. The owner
thought it was put in around 1960, but the person that contacted me was sure
they installed it in the 1970's.

Can anyone fill me in on Rohn models from years past? I will be contacting
Rohn for engineering data and replacement parts, but want to know what to
tell them I have.

Also, the farthest I can get from power lines in my back yard is 43 ft. As
much as I would like a tall tower I think I better not go over 40ft. What is
the best way to shorten one of these towers? Can the bottom section be
placed in concrete, or do I need to get a new base section? If I leave
sections off the top, how do I install the rotor and thrust bearing?

I looked at the tower today. It is in good condition, but will need a new
coat of paint. It was painted once before. What kind of paint is best, and
how should it be applied?

Any advice or information will be appreciated.

Jeff Burns

AD9T