http://db.tt/VIurfAN

Not wanting to spend $100+ on new boots unless I had to, I decided to try to patch them. I found two products that may work individually, but together certainly did the job.
– Aquaseal ($6.99)
– Tear-Aid Type A patch kit ($7.99)

I linked to Cabela’s but you can find both products at Bass Pro or your local sporting goods store, or Amazon.

I tried Tear-Aid first but after careful application, water was still able to slowly seep around the patched area. For general wear this would probably be fine, but I need them absolutely watertight. So I picked up a tube of Aquaseal and liberally applied it over the Tear-Aid patch with a good 1/2-inch margin all around. After curing overnight, I filled a large tub with water and tested the boot – no leaks!

I’m packing both the Tear-Aid patch kit and the tube of Aquaseal on my hunting trip. Leaky waders should not be a concern!

On a side note, I went ahead and tried on a pair of the new Under Armour H.A.W. boots, and looked at the LaCrosse Alpha Mudlight boots. The LaCrosse boots appear to have a much tougher neoprene upper that might not puncture as easily. The UA boots were comfortable but fit a little big. Either brand was $129.

My Benelli Vinci Challenge entry – using new Benelli Super Vinci, 3.5″ chamber, 28″ barrel, black. The goal is to assemble and disassemble the shotgun in under 15 seconds. I did it in 11.1 seconds. http://www.benelliusa.com/vinci_challenge

From Save the fourth amendment, The Economist

The Basics:
1996 BMW 328is, Alpine White
2-door coupe, 5-speed manual transmission, 2.8L I6, 2.93 open diff
164,xxx miles
SOLD!

Recent parts:
ZHP short shift knob (2/2008)
Front strut mounts, Sway bar end links
Koni Yellow SA shocks (F/R), H&R Sport springs
UUC Swaybarbarians (SPEC E36) sway bars
Rear shock reinforcement/mount kit
Wheel stud conversion
Tie rods, LCABs, Control arms
– All new suspension parts installed on 5/17/2008
– Alignment on 5/22/2008 (spec sheet available)
Rear BREMBO (OE) rotors, Front Wagner (OE) rotors
Axxis/PBR brake pads (F/R)
– Rear brakes 6/3/2008 with new R caliper pin bushings, new pad wear sensor
– Front brakes 8/8/2008 with new pad wear sensor
– Brake fluid flush 3/2009, ATE Blue fluid
AC compressor replaced 7/1/2008
Alternator replaced on 12/22/2008 (Duralast/Autozone OE replacement w/ lifetime warranty)
Radiator, Coolant hoses (upper & lower), belts, Water pump (metal impeller), Thermostat
– Cooling system replaced 2/7/2009 as preventative maintenance
Lamin-X yellow fog light film (1/2009) and new L fog light

The Very Good:
– Interior is 9/10. Seats show on the most minor wear; better than almost any E36 you will find.
– Headliner and door panels are perfect. Many 3-series have problems, not this one!
– Car has no mechanical issues. Motor is strong, uses no oil, clutch and transmission are good
– Good AC (recharged last year after AC compressor replaced)
– Stock 6-disc CD changer and factory radio. I have a tape adapter for iPod
– OBC in excellent condition – all buttons work, no missing pixels
– Upgraded suspension – sporty, not harsh. Koni shocks, H&R springs
– 15% window tint, 7/2008
– Complete tool kit in trunk! Most are missing, this one is complete!
– Extensive maintenance performed. 15W-40 oil used
– Stock drivetrain – even the intake and exhaust
– All records/receipts available since I bought the car. Original books/manuals.
– Receipts total almost $4,000
– Cup holders! Center arm rest! Has the premium center console with 2 cup holders and fold-down arm rest

1996 BMW 328is

1996 328is, 5MT, 100% stock (see how long that lasts)

*Updates*
2/08 17″ ’95 M3 wheels from black car
5/08 Koni SA Yellows, H&R Sport springs, wheel stud conversion, fresh bushings, control arms, tie rods, UUC Swaybarbarian SpecE36 bars
6/08 Rear Brembo OE rotors, Axxis/PBR street pads
7/08 15% window tint
8/08 Front OE rotors, Axxis/PBR street pads

Murdered by a Dodge Ram while unoccupied in a Papa John’s parking lot. What a disappointing way to go.

Purchased: 12/22/2006, 155k miles
Totaled: 1/31/2008, 182k miles

Absolutely the best of the four BMWs I’ve owned thus far. So what’s next? … Wait and see.