[MRCA] AS3900 antenna Tied Down?

[W2HX]

Hi all, 

Working on getting my 1972 Land Rover Air Portable up and running as my comm vehicle.  I have mounted my AS3900 VHF antenna and have it tied down. Here is a picture:

http://www.w2hx.com/x/1972LW/AS-3900%20mounted.jpg

Question about this. Is there any problem leaving the antenna tied down (and the spring bent over) for very long periods of time? Will the spring start to bend or want to stay this position even if I raise it up? What about getting water into the antenna base in between the coils for the spring? In this position the coils are open and you can see through the spring.

Advice welcome
thanks

 
73 Eugene W2HX