I bought a fairly nice John Deere VanBrunt model B grain drill for seeding waterways. I knew the main seed tubes (from the big hopper) going in between the double disk openers needed attention. The drill has 3 original seed tubes that are the spiral metal type. The other seventeen of them are what the original metal ones sub to in the John Deere parts book - a rubber tube. A couple were twisted and collapsed and it appears that about 12 have been nibbled on by mice shortening them at least 6 - 8 inches. I think all of them need replacing except for two. John Deere wants $35 a tube. There are aftermarket ones for $8.65. I am concerned about mice again. Has anyone ever come up with a durable material that might substitute for these seed tubes? They are 17 inches long with a 1 1/2 inside diameter hole at the top and a one inch hole at the bottom. The tubes have a noticable taper from top to bottom. See attached picture. I might look into some 1 thin wall plastic water pipe. Possibly could heat the pipe and expand the top. I don't know if it will work or not as the originals do have some flex to them. Someone mentioned flexible hot tub piping. Ideas appreciated.