Is this a great list, or what? Within hours of posting, I had 4 responses from list members: a shop owner member offering to check, and three "civilians" with great leads. I'll share them for those who might be interested:
Jpinkowish@aol.com: You can try http://www.loosescrews.com - from their printed catalog: "non-aero lever covers original to Shimano 105, these hoods will also fit Dura Ace EX and 600EX." part # SH-86A9804 $15/pr
....and, you can also have your shop contact Euro-Asia Imports.
Euro-Asia Imports 3935 Foothill Blvd. La Crescenta, CA 91214 Phone: (818) 248-1814 Fax: (818) 248-1243
Joe Bender-Zanoni See Martin Gold's for sale add on the CR site!
Olof Stroh If you don´t mind getting the levers as well: Renaissance-Cycles has them for $29 a set with fresh gum hoods.
Larry Black will check the bins.
Thanks to all, and I hope the info is helpful to others -- after I've gotten what I need. :-)
harvey sachs
mcLean VA