jackchoo said:
well looks like I need to get the entire stem from Ebay! oh well, I'll think of some other way to cover that up. Well, cosmetically its quite unique but it serves a purpose of sealing the hole where the handlebar and stem adjustment nuts resides. I wouldn't want any water to get in there.....
Well, if the cap just
cosmetically fills-the-hole, then it isn't significantly different than a hub cap or wheel cover on an automobile wheel ... and, I presume you are saying that the stem is otherwise functional without it,
If that is the case, then you can fabricate something to replace the missing cap if all you are concerned about is an excessive amount of water (which will drain out the bottom of the fork's steerer, BTW) running down the stem's bolt if the bike is subjected to an excess amount of rain.
You can probably begin with a top cap from a threadless stem (some are composite and will be easier to work with), enlarge the hole to accommodate the end of the bolt & reduce the outer diamter to fit in the cavity at the top of the stem ... if you aren't handy, then this probably isn't an option.
OR, you could just fill the "hole" around the bolt with some BLACK (or, any color of your choice) silicone that you could get from an automotive store if function is more important than looks. When you need access, you can just pull the makeshift silicon plug out.
BTW. Have you asked your LBS if they can order a replacement?
FWIW. You could always try contacting Shimano (in Irvine) directly and asking them -- FAXing them is the most expedient method of contact. They may just send you a replacement cap if they have one floating around in their warehouse AND if you are
very explicit with regard to the part that you need!