George,
Thanks for the thought. I did check for that very thing and it's
straight as an arrow. I now have it in a bath of 1-2% muriatic acid as of
about 40 minutes ago and I'll check it from time to time to see if that has
loosened up the aluminum oxide between the two tubes.
And if that doesn't work next comes Peter's suggestion to use PB
Blaster. Of course I could contact Zip Dee and buy the two tubes but the
older design spring pin on the good one wouldn't match the newer pin. You
see I really want this awning installation to look as if it had been there
since it rolled out the back door of the Los Angeles factory in March of
1969.
All said, I really think that it's some form of aluminum oxide and crud
in there keeping the tubes from coming apart rather than a need for some
form of hi-tech lubrication but at this point I don't really care what it
takes, as long as I can get them apart.
Anyone have a vintage arm sitting around they'd be willing to sell just
in case?
PS I just went out to measure the tubes (outer is 46" and inner
including the dog leg is 54 1/4") and there are mini-bubbles emitting from
the pin stop (read upper when installed) end with fewer coming from the
lower end but bubbles nonetheless.
Prior experience with muriatic acid and cleaning bronze parts tells me
that it's eating up something in there, most likely the white powdered
aluminum oxide. The solution is not strong enough though to be effecting
the anodized outer surfaces of the tubes which suggests that I might be on
target with the mixture.
I'll report back soon either way,
Glyn
> Hi Glyn,
> It's also possible that the one arm was previously "tweeked" in a strong wind
> and while it's not visible, it is enough to make it a bear to slide out. Just
> another thought.
> George