Question about repairing an old antenna

[wpflum]

I got my hands on an old antenna so I can see if I will be able to receive any OTA HDTV signals. I want to test this first before I spend hard earned and limited cash on a new antenna and receiver. The unit in question has 3 short full width directors (solid across the beam) and 3 sets of short split directors ( stub mounted on insulating plastic pads but not electrically connected) interspliced between the solid ones. all three of the split one are missing the one side I'm guessing they were broken off sometime during storage. My question is can I replace them with coat hanger wire cut to the same length as the opposite sides??? I also have one of the longer solid directors on the other side of the antenna connector busted up but still there can I replace it with coat hanger wire?

Also this is fairly rusty and oxidized so exactly what parts do I need to have good electrical connections and what parts, say like the directors mount points on the beam, can I leave alone??

I'm just trying to jury rig up something that should be able to pick up something about 60 miles away and I'm not worried about longevity. I'm concerned that I wont be able to get anything due to trees, hills and how high I'd be able to get the antenna up so I'd like to get some kind of idea before I lay out any cash.

Help???

BIll

[tigerbangs]

tips-for-getting-good-antenna-advice-read-before-posting-t52.html

please-post-your-tvfool-com-results-when-posting-questions-t649.html

[wpflum]

The previous links do not really apply since I'm not asking for information on what type of antenna or dealing with reception issues. I was hoping someone here may have had some antenna repair experience or a more extensive antenna background than I do. I'm guessing from the lack of responce that this isn't the place I need to be. Can anyone recommend a forum/website I should turn my attention to?