Best of luck with the new/used 5.2. I bought a 1978 5.2 this saturday. I also have the older 1 1/4" ball, noncaptive mast base. I will be setting it up the first time sometime this week.
I live in Modesto now, but used to live in Chico and Paradise. Thermolito should be a fun place to sail for you.
Enjoy,
Dave