"Scott" wrote in message
.. .

How about just filling the tube ends with silicone RTV? You can get a
whole tube of the stuff (for a caulking gun) for a dollar or two.

Scott
N0EDV

Caution: Many silicone RTV formualtions have acetic acid -- which will eat
at the metal elements (aluminum). Also unless it is an outdoor (UV
resistant formulation) - it will quickly degrade in outdoor usage.
Just get the correct caps - they are not that expensive.

Many amatuer radio suppliers -- are very slow (to the point of not
responsive) to e-mails.
Pick-up the telephone, call Cushcraft and ask for Ed Hammond (in charge fo
amateur radio sales).
Tell him what you need and tell him you have antenna on ground and need to
get it back up ASAP - before winter. IF he balks, tell him thanks -- but
you will call DX Engineering for those parts.

Then call DX Engineering and they shoud have them shipped out within 48
hours.

w9gb