Point of order.. it doesn't have a "short" it more likely has an "open". An antenna can hardly have a short.. it's only a long piece of wire. But, it can have an open, which is a separation of the conductor in the center of the plastic covering.

As said, you can mend it. But don't just twist the wires together because they will most likely vibrate and "open" again. So, the solder joint is the best way to mend it.

Don't shorten it, meaning, don't cut out a section. Clean up the connections where the antenna has separated, and solder it with a very short twist, then cover the mend it with heat shrink. Shortening the antenna's length will reduce it's effectiveness. Technical reasons why, but it has to remain about 3.4 feet or so in length for 72 MHz operation.

CGr