Abstract: This disclosure teaches a turnbuckle connector useful in a method for replacing an existing utility pole (usually wood), without disturbing hardware mounted thereon. As taught in United States patent No. 3,911,548, the utility pole includes a proximal section having a bottom end attached to the earth and a distal section having hardware mounted thereon. The distal section (with its hardward intact thereon) is severed from the proximal section. A new pole section (preferably of prestressed concrete) is attached to the earth appropriately located and adapted for receiving the distal section. The distal section then is connected to project from the new pole section by means of the turnbuckle connector disclosed herein. A plurality of girdle plates, each having side marginal flanges and a terminal flange, are arranged about at least one of the sections to be connected.