PERRYinLA

(.....besides AstroGlide, that is!)

Well, no use posting a pic or even mentioning the car model, since I'll bet this problem is universal. After a week or so of driving, the front-facing part of my antenna is almost black from all the road grit that sticks to it.

But what to do? It's sticking to the lubricant, and if I keep wiping it off, soon it'll be lube-less. But maybe that's not so bad. Do I then go without lube, or is there some miracle product out there that lubes without dirt sticking to it ?

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

You might try one of the dry bicycle chain lubricants, especially Finish Line Krytech Paraffin Lube, found at http://www.performancebike.com/shop/....html?SKU=1001
Or Pedro's Extra Dry Chain Lube, also found on same website. Many claim to be dry and dirt-repelling, some have PTFE/Teflon, etc.

You didn't say what lubricant that you are now using that's causing you the problem - WD40?

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

PS: Since I don't remember ever having that problem quite that bad around here (east coast), is that from the smog out there??? You breathin' that stuff too???

PERRYinLA

I grew up across the river from you (in New York) and paid hundreds of dollars in New Jersey turnpike tolls, so if memory serves me well, your antenna never gets dirty because it rains often enough to wash all those refinery discharges off it before you notice it.

I happen to have that very same lube you mention (Pedro's, not AstroGlide)- it's what I use on MY bike:



I'll try Pedro's, but to answer your question, I've never lubed my antenna since a new one was installed in May 1997.

PS: Have you ever tried the edit button?

strongsail

my antenna was filthy when I got the car - took half a dozen cleanings to get all the black guck out - and I use a teflon-base lube too, it's clear and kinda thin and doesn't seem to atract dirt - I have used it for years on my boat - I tried spinning reel grease but it was too thick. Keeping the mast clean and slippery will keep that little plastic tape inside from stripping - and massage out even the slightest bends too, so it can go up & down easily and it will never break -

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

LMAO, good one, PERRYinLA. But since I'm from south Jersey/Philly, I don't REALLY know anything about those refineries, ahem... ;-)
Nice bike.
Edit button?