6" Barrel Spring

[Diesel546]

Im looking for a 6" stainless steel barrel spring to use with a 102" but all I can seem to find are the chrome plated versions. Can someone tell me a good place to find them? Thanks!!

[Cain64]

well one of the best is probly the hustler one, check online do not buy the chrome ones they will rust on ya

[Diesel546]

Thanks alot, The only Hustler spring I find is the Hustler SSM3 and the measurement is 4.25" long. Not sure if there is a 6" version that im not seeing.

[Cain64]

they have some on walcot, otherwise im sure some of our sponsors could poitnt you in the right dirrection.

[Diesel546]

Thanks alot I appreciate it!

[Cain64]

no a problem, we all go through it, i fortunately was able to get one from blackghost a guy near me .

[whipsnapper]

They are all only 4-4.25 inches long. It's the 6 inch braided wire in the center of the spring (that you can't see) that makes it 6 inches long electrically. When people refer to the 6" spring, they are actually talking about the barrel spring that is only ~4" long.

The only Stainless one I know of is the Hustler SSM-3, and it's heavier windings that should keep it from laying back flat on the interstate, depending on your install. I'm running a Radioshack chrome one right now, and it is just way too flopsy for my taste. I'm looking for a 6" spacer option currently, but if that doesn't pan out, I'll be getting the Hustler SSM-3.

Hope this helps.

[Turbo-T]

You know, for the 6 inch spacer.....does anyone make one that is fairly thick so that the antenna doesn't put any stress on it when going down the interstate?

[whipsnapper]

That's the same question I have Turbo T.

I drive an hour to work each way, and over half is on the interstate at 75+. I've heard some suggest a piece of all-thread, but that alone would just slowly bend or curve permanently. I've considered stacking it with washers and a nut on each end, or maybe just nuts the whole way to give it some strength. I may be doing this trial soon...

[Secret Squirrel]

I have heard some suggest using the stainless steel shafts from a Wilson Trucker Antenna as an extension. You can buy replacement shafts at truck stops.

[whipsnapper]

Now I remember seeing the Wilson shaft you're talking about, but it seems like with all the leverage of a 102 on top of it, it would just bend. It could be reinforced with washers though, I suppose. I may start there.

Thanks Secret Squirrel!

['Doc]

If you're looking for a really stiff spring, see if you can find the one Kenwood made for their mobile antenna at one time. Can't remember the length but it'll be something between 4' and 6". I've never seen a stiffer spring, don't count on bending it by hand. It's not 'pot-bellied' like most are, just a straight sided spring. Just a warning, sit down before asking the price .
- 'Doc

[Secret Squirrel]

The stiffest spring I had come across was a Antenna Specialists spring that was specifically made to hold a "big center load antenna" upright at highway speeds. I actually had to take it off of my ball mount, because the fender of my vehicle would flex before the spring. I could never find one on the net. A local shop had them on the shelf. This spring will stay upright and the 102 inch whip will flex on its own.

[Roper]

I have the Hustler SSM3 ball mount and spring and to be quite frank it was well worth the money at first I had a Radio Shack ball mount and spring and after it started to rust I upgraged to the one I now have. Stainless steel is the only way to go IMO.