The restoration of the Statue of Liberty, seen on this cover from 1984, presented numerous challenges.
Liquid nitrogen at -320°F was used to remove seven layers of interior paint, followed by baking soda blasting to remove one layer of coal tar paint. The heaviest part of the job was replacing the iron frame, a network of 1,350 iron bars ending in 1,500 U-shaped copper saddles, riveted to the 80-tonne copper envelope.
Condensation and leaking rainwater had caused galvanic action between the armor and the mounting saddles, resulting in significant corrosion.
The iron bars were replaced with low carbon stainless steel bars insulated with Teflon sleeves.
Nab Construction Corp. he was the steel contractor. More powerful air handling units were installed to reduce interior temperature and humidity.
The outer scaffolding was an 81-foot rectangle that rose 250 feet and was never less than 18 inches from the statue.
The shoulder of the statue needed reinforcement, as the sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, had changed the position of the shoulder and arm next to the torch, against the wishes of engineer Gustave Eiffel.
The 3,500-ton torch had suffered so much corrosion from leaking alterations that it had to be replaced. Lehrer/McGovern was construction manager. The restoration was completed in time for the statue’s centennial celebration in 1986.
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