Amphicar BUYER
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Posts posted by Amphicar BUYER
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's hard to get a ticket if you just leave the vehicle locked in the garage. None of my vehicles were purchased to impress other people. </div></div>
Not to sound like a flame, but what good is any piece of art, auto or ? if it is "Locked up in the garage" If nobody sees and appreciates it, it may as well not exist. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> It's not about "Impressing" anyone (why would you care anyway?), it's about education and appreciation for the object and it's history. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
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Ron,
I have those as well. They stay white and look great no matter what the water I drive in is like. Remember how [color:"green"] <span style="font-weight: bold">green</span> Celina water is?
They work well up to the 70MPH max I will go in my Amphi. I had asked about a warranty, and they responded with "Nobody has ever worn out a set on a classic car." I laughed and said I'll be the first then! Now 2000 miles on the road and 75+ hours in the water (OK, I know that is real easy on the tires <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />), the Amphi drives nice and the tires look new.
I wish they had a true 4" WWW instead of the 2 3/4" WWW.
John
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Tommy - You're too funny! I was wondering why my seat felt more squishy than normal!
We were waiting for the Cuban contingency to show up. Too bad the Coast Guard scuttled that truck. It made it within 8 miles of the shore. That is pretty good for a '51 Chevy! That truck should have been in a museum next to the hot air balloon from the folks who flew it over the wall to show the lengths people will go for a <span style="font-style: italic">chance </span> at the freedoms we enjoy every day. <span style="font-weight: bold">God Bless The [color:"red"]U[color:"white"]S[color:"blue"]A!</span>
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Was your brother Jeff Sweet?
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What a coincidince! I was thinking of that same thing! I do drive my Amphicar to work sometimes just cuz. It's a great idea, go with it.
John
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was hoping to see some of those cars on the road while on my way home from Metropolis. As it turned out, the best I could get was that there was a green Amphicar sitting on a trailer with no wheels while we were at a truck stop gassing up in Indiana. </div></div>
That green one was on it's way back to Lake of the Ozarks. It was fresh from the paint booth. I believe it only had a windshield and doors installed. All in all a great weekend!
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Last weekend we had our annual "Swim In" in Celina, Ohio. 60 1/2 cars showed up for the parades and fun. Where else can you drive up on a beach next to a bar and pickup women who will then buy you drink after drink? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I finally managed to meet Ron Green face to face. We swam together taking people for rides at the retirement home. The whole weekend was 3 much fun!
One 500 mile car fresh from storage since 1966 was there swimming! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Here is a pic from the group grope photo shoot.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [color:"blue"] It is a sad comment on what has happened to our country, that we are fast losing our "precision in language". The "mark" of technologically advanced cultures, is their need for precision in speech, which, of course, is part of "precision in thought".</div></div>
[color:"red"]No flames intended here. If you are wanting "precision in speech" then you should realize that the word "Classic" has several meanings, and can be used as an adjective or noun. It is not reserved for any specific cars except within the confines of the CCCA.
See "CLASSIC"
I agree that today's graduates have a hard time making change let alone intelligent speech.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> [color:"blue"]It is normal and naturalto be jealous of something vastly superior to what we have...Take one look at these arrogant symbols of power (think about it..how the performance, say of a Cadillac V-16 compared to a Ford or Chevrolet of the same time era) and who could resist resenting them. </div></div>
I can't agree with this statement at all. I think anyone who feels resentment or jealousy for these reasons have bigger problems and it is not natural for a normal human to feel that way. I don't resent the large houses I see every day, I am not jealous of the guy with the Duesenburg or the guy with 35 classic autos in his garage. I can appreciate them for their beauty and design. It would make me bitter and my life crap if I did waste my time and energy on feeling jealous of somebody's success.
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[color:"green"]clas·sic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (klsk)
adj.
Belonging to the highest rank or class.
Serving as the established model or standard: a classic example of colonial architecture.
Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.
Adhering or conforming to established standards and principles: a classic piece of research.
Of a well-known type; typical: a classic mistake.
Of or characteristic of the literature, art, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome; classical.
Formal, refined, and restrained in style.
Simple and harmonious; elegant: the classic cut of a suit; the classic lines of a clipper ship.
Having historical or literary associations: classic battlefields of the Civil War.
n.
An artist, author, or work generally considered to be of the highest rank or excellence, especially one of enduring significance.
A work recognized as definitive in its field.
A literary work of ancient Greece or Rome.
classics The languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Used with the.
One that is of the highest rank or class: The car was a classic of automotive design.
A typical or traditional example.
Informal. A superior or unusual example of its kind: The reason he gave for being late was a classic.
A traditional event, especially a major sporting event that is held annually: a golf classic.
Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">buying antiques on credit?????????? On a home equity loan????? Man, u guys GOTTA be joking!!!!</div></div>
If you are one of those few who have the means to just buy what you want, then good on you. However, there are a lot more of us who don't have that luxury. There is nothing wrong with spending some of the equity on something fun and possibly profitable. I get to enjoy my money now. It sure beats a remodeled kitchen.
I took out a 2nd on my home a few years back. Now after 9 Amphicars ranging from paper thin rust guppies to floaters, the loan is PIF, and so are the remaining 4 Amphicars (2 floaters/2 parts) I now have. All paid for via the parts and such I have sold. I just happen to be lucky enough to have made money on every one I sold and paid for my hobby in the meantime.
Carpe Diem!
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I agree, get a Home equity loan. Then the bank has no say as to what you bought or the high interest rates associated with loan on older vehicles.
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Yup, that is the '74 Caddy from Gallagher's show. Now if it were only a "floater" that would be awesome!
The International Amphicar Owner's Club is having our annual meeting in Celina, Ohio the weekend of July 25-27th. No Caddys as far as I know, but about 70+ Amphicars (world record is 64) may attend.
This is a shot of the parade of Amphicars on our way to the lake.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And here I thought this thread was going to be a picture of Ron's car.... </div></div>
Ron's car is spectacular! She is a beauty inside and out. However an Amphicar that was sunk 15 years ago looks like this on it's way out ....
This car is currently undergoing restoration and will be a swimmer again.
John
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what kind of engines do custom bike builders use if they aren't Harleys? I'm curious, since I figured that's all they used.</div></div>
There are many aftermarket "Air cooled, 45 degree, single crank, V-Twin) (This is what makes the engines what they are) manufactures. There is S & S, TP, Merch, and about 5+ others. These 3 are just the most well known. There are probably 10 aftermarket "Custom" bike companies (not including all the small shops doing them as well) like "Big Dog" and others.
The new Indians had S&S engines until recently when they came up with a propriatary engine of their own.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Clue me in on these Buells. Are Buells a subdivision of Harley Davidson or somehow connected to Harley in some way? Like The Geos where related to Chevys and so on and so fourth.
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The Buells were developed by an independant guy named Erik Buell . They are now 51% owned by HD. They are a new chassis with a hopped up Sportster 1200 engine in them. Some say good, some say bad. I have no personal experience with them, so I can't honestly add much.
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Your engine is the TC88 (Twin Cam 88, very different from the Evolution) engine. It is a great engine. The major difference (Softail VS FL) is in the suspension and rubber mounted (Touring) VS solid mounted engines (Heritage/Fatboy etc.).
The hard mounted engine vibrates badly (or good-ly if your a lady! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) and the rubber mount is significantly smoooother. Look in your rearview mirror. Are the lights behind you clear and focused or are they ViBRaTiNg AlOt? That will show a great picture of the vibrations. Go to a dealer and take any of the rubber mounted FLs for a ride. (FLHR/FLT/FL). Then you will feel the difference.
John
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To Amphicar all the Harleys I've rode were my 2 brothers bikes and one of my friends. Compared to the crotch rockets I ride they seem to me like I have a Shermin tank between my legs during cornering and have the response of a Yellowbird school bus in acceleration.</div></div>
This will greatly depend on which HD you were on. There are several different models and even though they appear the same, they are very different. But none of the HDs are really meant to be sport bikes except for the Buells. So it's like comparing apples to potatos. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I don't even have a bike of my own at this point in time due to some hard times and ended up selling my Yamaha Thunderace 1000 (my last bike) about one year ago.</div></div>
I feel for ya! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I sincerely hope that things get turned around for you so you can get the bike you like. (yes, even if's not a HD!) <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The most miles I've ever gone in a day was about 250 going to the shore and back but If you wanna talk about iron buts Ive got you all beat. Try riding a mountain bike 150 miles in one day under your own power for 9 hours with only three 15 miniute breaks with a very small lightly padded seat the term iron but seems like an understatement.</div></div>
Sorry, that is not comparable to a 700 mile day on a big bike. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Yes, that is a tough day but once you do a 700+ mile road trip on a big bike, you will know what I mean. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
I have a few friends who run the " Iron Butt Runs ". There are several different runs. One is going through all lower 48 states (current record is currently 5 days, 12 hours 42 minutes). <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The strange thing is that I'm now riding a Harley! My brothers one bike a Fatboy. Every now and then I talk him into letting me take it for a ride.</div></div>
A Fatboy (FLSTF) is in the "softail" class (Heritage/Springer/Fatboy). That is a misnomer! They really should be called "Barely Softer than a hardtail ... tail" They have a solid mounted engine and a hidden shock system that is not real soft. The Fatboy is about 675 LBS too. Find a ride on a FLH (Road King/Ultra/Standard) rubber mounted engine. They ride nice! But as stated they are not a "sport" bike. The V-Rod is a chunk of [censored]. They already recalled the engine. When they 1st came out, they were going for $27K! The MSRP was $18,500 I think. Now you can't hardly give them away. I think they a fugly too. They look like some cheap plastic Asian thing. JMNSHO
In the end, you should ride whatever your heart desires. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Don't let anyone tell you any different. If the whole world rode Harleys, I would have to sell mine.
Ride on!
"I don't wanna pickle, I just wanna ride my motorcickle" - Arlo Guthrie
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Thanks! Too bad AMF gave HD the black eye, but on the upside, they were the "life raft" of sorts that kept HD afloat until people who had a real interest bought them back.
I once was with a friend at a cafe' in Golden, Co. There was a bike sitting there that just looked odd. After looking again, I noticed it was a Yamaha with all Harley sheet metal! Tanks, fenders, bags and handlebars! I made the comment that I thought it was "a sheep in wolf's clothing", with that the couple next to us (both had HD jackets on) got up, left thier lunch, and rode that hermaphrodite away. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> They must have heard similar comments too many times.
If you like a Yamaha-ha, by all means get one, if you like H-D get one, but don't try to make people think you're something you aren't. Just be yourself. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I couldn't imagine spending 10 cents on one. Compared to something like a Honda or a Yamaha they are extremly over rated. They are not as fast, reliable, handle the road like tanks, and much more expensive, now that I think about it the perfict bike for HOGS Any Harley nut can hate me if they want but based on my experiance from different bike modles I would never get on of those ever again. The only thing a Harley has going for it is the sound of one. Just ask a true bike customizer like Jesse James why they would never would use any part of a Harley for their bikes. They all started out customizing Harleys and now they wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole
Don't hate me for this but this is just my honest opinion based on my experiance with Harleys.
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Ok, I guess I need to put my $.10 in!
I have a '95 FLHR (Road King) It was designed by harley to be a Harley and not look like another brand. It wasn't designed by some Asian company who copied the style from somebody else. The day I picked it up it was worth $3000 more than the day I ordered it (Yes, I turned down the offer). In fact today (8 years old) with 43000+ on the clock it is still worth more than what I paid for it. Now that YamaHondaZuki Harley wannbe (who really wants to grow up to be A Harley) is worth only a small percentage of it's original price tag.
How many 700 mile days have you ever done on YOUR bike? My Road King is smooooth, handles great, and is plenty fast enough. (117 HP and 120 Ft/lbs). Scott, Just what kind of bike do you ride and how many miles have you ridden it? How many miles have you ever put on a Harley to be able to make your statements? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
As far as them Asian copycats, they are faster, but a Harley is not a crotch rocket nor was it intended to be. I have had many bee-yooo-tee-full women on my bike. They don't even care that I have no [censored] seat ... ummm back seat. They will gladly ride sitting on the fender. You just don't get that on anything else. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
I get a thumbs up several times every day. Why? Because a Harley has something no other bike has ... RESPECT! People respect a Harley because they are thier own bike, not a cheap plastic copy of another. They are unique, they can be fast. How many people do you know with "Yamaha" tattood on them? Just look up the fastest motorcycle on earth (according to Guiness) ... Yes it's powered by a Harley! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
[color:"red"]"On July 14, 1990, Dave Campos (USA) set American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) absolute speed records on the 23-ft-long streamliner Easyriders, powered by two 1,491-cc Ruxton Harley-Davidson engines. Campos' overall speed was 322.16 m.p.h...."
As far as Jesse James in concerned, he loves Harleys, he just prefers the challenge of building his own bike. He DOES use Harley parts on his bikes, you are misinformed. What he does not use is Yamahondazuki parts. Remember that is what he does for a living. He just happens to be on TV too.
Nobody hates you because you have a different opinion, that is what makes this country so freakin' great! I ride with bikes of all makes. Just be sure you have the facts correct before you voice that opinion. Asian bikes are not desireable as they make too many of them and they are no more than copies of the real classic. If they would only be original, they would be more respected. Now they are as respected as the VW with the Rolls-Royce grill is. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Sincerely,
John Bevins
'95 FLHR with a sidecar
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What happened to my reply?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
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The newspaper article is here with another picture.
Suffice it to say that one reason for it going down is closer to Ron's assumption. None the less it's a great story.
The guy who now has it, is trying to actually start it! I have tried to impart to him that is a bad idea no matter how "cool" it may seem. Preservation is the key now, then later get it running after it has been dismantled and cleaned.
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<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ok, share the story... how did it sink, and why?
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Sorry, I can not reveal any details of the actual sinking until the owner gives me his permission. I can only say it was not a mechanical failure and was an accident.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i've always hear that it was not to good as a car, and worst as a boat.
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This is just more of the mis-information usualy from bad reviews by people who didn't know the facts. They are not a "sports car" nor are they a "family" car, they are not a fast boat but they were not designed to be that. They are (with PROPER maintenance which most never got) reliable, FUN FUN FUN and the fastest car on the lake and the fastest boat on land. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what is the honest limitation to the car on land and water?
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These cars are capable of 75MPH on land (6 knots on water) and many of the Germans in our club have well into the 100,000 mile range on them as daily drivers. They are very sea worthy and stable on water. With the top and windows up I have porposed my car half way up the windshield leaving 12" of water on the roof many times. Two crossed the Channel in 14' waves and gale force winds in 1968. In fact, I had 6 adults in my car and we tried to rock her as hard as we could. The best we could do was to get the water up to the door handles. In an unexpected storm, put me in an Amphi rather than any open boat.
They can ship great deals of water before you need to worry. Usualy about up to the top of the seat. That is about 2' of water in the car (guessing about 200+ gallons)
Most in the USA have low mileage as parts became unavailable early after the company went out of business. The parts have been found since and most are available today through several of us. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not trying to be insulting here, but I would think having the waterline up to the top of the door would create some wake splash issues. </div></div>
No insult taken. We are used to all the mis-information people have about them. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> much like the idea the freeboard is "up to the top of the door". Look at the small picture of my car at the bottom of each post to see where it actually is (about 5" above the BOTTOM of the door). There is about 21" of freeboard which can be doubled by rolling up the windows. Name another boat that can do that. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Part of the fun is to go headlong into a big wave, getting it to break over the top and soak your passengers! That is why they make bilge pumps. The looks on people faces as you hit the water at 35MPH (see below) is beyond description! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
John
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The Sunken Amphi has been raised! The car was as you see it. This pic was taken as she was rolled onto shore for the 1st time in 15 years. Tires full of air, wheels rolled and she looks beautiful!
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Without being able to say 100%, it appears to look like the one found on '34 Fords. Standard disclaimers apply! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
AMPHICAR related items WANTED
in Automobiles and Parts - Buy/Sell
Posted
If it pertains to an Amphicar or IS an Amphicar, I'm interested! If you know of one for sale (or better yet for sail!) I will gladly reward you for the info that leads to a purchase. Any condition!
John