I was just trying to be original with the high-carbon steel (thinking waaaaay to much like George!N9149A wrote:Miles the problem I see with music wire is that it will rust. I think 3/32 is bit light. 1/8 I think and maybe 5/32 is right. Music wire is available at most good hobby shops in 3 foot sections.
). My 55 year old ones are rusty, but they're still there, and still have their temper. The McMaster-Carr stuff I referenced in my post is phosphate coated, which I ASSuME is for rust protection. Cleaning, priming, and painting would also be good. I'm guessing that 36 inches would leave you a bit short, requiring welding (which I know Paul can do 
). By the same token, if the coiled stuff is coiled too tight, straightening it out could be a b***h. Again, for about 0.01AMU delivered, it might be worth a try. I'll try to remember to take my tape measure and caliper to the airport the next time I go.Miles
Roesbery's suggestion of antennas got me thinking about an old two way antenna thats been in the way in my shop for years. A little scrounging thru the junk corner in the fire hall turned up three more orphans. The stainless bends to the contour of the roof but doesn't seem to take a "set". A neighbor had some stainless welding rod but it was only 3 feet long and I don't have the equipment or skill to weld stainless and it didn't seem to be as springy as the antenna. The antenna are long enough without a splice. Miles, I bought the wool headliner from Spruce several years ago for I think $125, I remember it was half what Airtex was asking for a wool headliner and someone who's opinion I respect liked Spruce's product better than Airtex.
My bows measured 0.118. A 2.5-mil coat of paint would bring them right up to yours. McMaster-Carr has a 1-lb (24-ft) coil of 1/8" phosphate-coated spring-temper carbon steel wire for $5.66.
