So, I was doing a little spring cleaning and came across some waders I forgot I even had. The neoprene is still in very good shape, but the boots are dry rotted and cracked. They are a nice set of thicker material than my others, and used to be very nice for late season waterfowl action.
Anyways, does anyone know someone/somewhere that could replace the built-in boots on neoprene waders?
Also, I have a rod that lost the inner ring on one of the eyes when it was knocked over onto a rocky shoreline last year. I was just curious if anyone knew where I could get this repaired. Sportsmans Warehouse told me they can replace the tip, but do nothing with the other eyes.
Thanks for any info.
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I can repair it for you, not sure if I have a guide that will match yours but I can order one, that will take a little while. Fish Tech has some guides that might match yours, they might do the repairs also, not sure if they do guide repairs. just let me know.
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[cool][#0000ff]I also build rods and usually have a pretty good selection of spinning guides in all sizes. I also have just about every color of wrapping thread you can imagine. I do a lot of repairs on tip tops and guides.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, as UW says, if it is a unique or specialty guide it may need to be ordered. Otherwise it is quick and easy to wrap a new one on. However, to complete the job...with color preserver and a final epoxy gloss coat will take another couple of days.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as replacing the neoprene boot feet on the waders, I can't offer a lot of encouragement. They are installed with a combination of heat welding and stitching at the factory. I don't know where you would even begin to look to find someone with the materials and equipment necessary to make the replacement. And I suspect it would cost you as much as a new pair of waders.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a general rule, once the neoprene boots begin to develop leaks...especially along the seams...it is a never-ending battle to keep finding and repairing the little leaks with Aquaseal. Just when you seal up a long stretch of seam a leak begins at one or both ends of the repair you just made. Small pinhole leaks anywhere on the boot surface are easy to fix. The seams...not so much.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can't even guess what it would take to replace the harder boot material on a set of neoprenes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Age is not kind to rubber fishing gear. Even with good storage and care it degrades over time. If you plan to use the waders a lot more you might need to just bite the bullet and invest in new ones.[/#0000ff]
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Thank you both for your replies. I would be fine with whatever guide one of you had that was close (does not have to match perfect). I just don't want to start any line damage (I have been fortunate enough that it has not started yet). Which one of you two live closest to Orem? I beleive I remember TD saying he lives in SLC, but what about you UTwalleye?
Again, thanks guys.
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[cool][#0000ff]We both live in the west valley area of Salt Lake. Since I am retired I am probably home and available more than Chuck. He works some wierd hours. But he is a nicer guy and does beautiful work.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I work cheap...and I am worth it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you PM me I can give you an address and directions. Will be home all week except for Wednesday. I have all sizes of single foot spinning guides from size 8 through size 30 so should be able to replace your damaged one quickly. Also have a full range of double foot casting guides.[/#0000ff]
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