Amphicar BUYER

Thanks Pat! Doing your part has ensured that we are able to have this very forum and the right to be and say what we want. Every day when I wake up a free man, I am indebted to all of our service men and women. <virtual handshake> John Bevins Proud American!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> my brother was the founder/first president of The International Amphicar Club. </div></div> Very cool! I am not familiar with the early history of the club. What is his name? Does he have any memorbilia from then? I think the club was started in '68? I'm outta here until Monday, to all, have a great Holiday and take a old car out at least once if ya can! Cap'n John and

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 105mph, Amphicar? Must been pulling that trailer with one of these-- www.aaca.org/misc/burgess.jpg I don't think a regular pick-me-up will go that fast pulling a trailer, on the other hand, I "know" this one will. Wayne </div></div> Actually it was a '95 F-350 Crew cab Diesel. Didn't even know the Amphi was back there from Co to OH and back. Nice rig there for sure! One of our Amphicar guys has a nice rig (KW) he tows his Amphi with. Looks odd with a big rig and a small 5th wheel with an Amphicar behind it. He had the WTC flag raising picture painted on the back of his sleeper, very nicely done. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Could you tell us some of the weakspots to look out for when viewing a potential purchase and are door and axle seals reproduced or is it basically "find and fit"? </div></div> The great thing about Amphicars is that most parts are available. They are spendy though. Several of us have repopped some of the hard to find parts. I do the manuals, another guy does bumpers and visors, another makes body parts in fiberglass. You need to keep in mind that these cars were in the water, some in salt water (BAD!!) Mine will never see salt water. What most may consider to be really bad rust, we look at as average. The bottoms of the doors, engine cover, rear 1/4s are the most prone to rust. If these parts are repairable, you have a great start. The trans is thee most spendy part of all. You should make sure when possible that the trans does not have water in it and it is serviceable. Our club members are really helpful and not like other clubs. No body cares if you have a "Brown Wonder" or a concourse show car. Virtually all of us swim our cars regularly. Nothing beats being in a (world record) crowd of 64 Amphicars on a lake. If you do your own work, we consider that to be the $10,000 talent. If you are paying somebody to do the job, start with a nice clean original car. Our club site always has a couple for sale in there. Keep the questions coming! This is what Amphi owners do as these cars are ALWAYS on show. You get surrounded everywhere you go, so these are not for the person who wants to be left alone. Cap'n John and

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Amphicar! My wife wants to know the top speed of that thing on and "off" highway. She's like me. She likes fast cars! Interesting is nice too, she just told me. If this thread keeps going, all Amphicars in the barns of the world will soon be restored or have new homes. Wayne </div></div> I have seen some Amphicars restored that 98% of the world would never even consider. But because of the rarity and sheer fun of them more are being saved everyday. Here is a perfect example of one that we called "The Brown Wonder " I rode in this car and it still swims in Ca. As Ron mentioned they say 70MPH, and I have had mine up to 105MPH. Does it count that it was on a trailer? I have seen vintage ads that stated up to 90MPH on land and 15MPH on water.This is only possible if both situations are on a steep downhill and you don't know any better. I have had her up to 65MPH, but she is more comfortable @ 60. The front end being like a boat and the engine in the rear, tends to get light and too much like a boat. This increases the "pucker factor" a bit. They are geared pretty low, so hiway speeds are not good for long distances.

Get what turns you on. Decide on your budget,be prepared for "surprises". Decide on the extent you are willing to go. Is this to be a driver or pure show car? Do you have the ability and tools needed to complete the job? Do you have a place to work on it? Do you like the car? (if anything but a resounding YES!, then rethink your decision.) Look at as many as possible, speak to as many people in the industry as possible. Have fun!!!

Of course I think he'd drive an Amphicar! Think about it, if it broke down while on the water, it would be easy for him to get out and push!

The doors are sealed much like a refridgerator. There is a flat seal on the body (hull) and another specifically shaped seal along the door edge. Where they meet, it seals up nicely. There are a second set of door locks located at the rear and bottom of both doors that are designed not to seal the doors tighter as some think, but to keep you from opening the door while on the water. You feel like your in a car (you are!) and it is easy to forget opeing the door might be a bad thing.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Amphicar, Wife wants to know the years those cars were manufactured? Also, saw your web site last night, liked the fancy leathers, reminds me of the time I... Oh, never mind! Nice site,Nice bike. Wayne </div></div> Thanks Wayne! I love my Harley too! IMNSHO, a woman in leather is a beautiful thing, especially if she is on her own bike! I see your question has been answered about the years of manufacture. I started another thread called "Amphibious-ness" that has a lot more info if you're interested. I am currently redesigning my entire site with updated photos and such. It is waaaaay out of date at the moment.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">and I definately would be interested in seeing how they're built. </div></div> Here is a cut a way of an Amphi. You can see the rear engine (Triumph Herald). The fuel tank is up front in the trunk. If you look closely, you can see the 2 shift levers. The short one operates the water trans. An interesting note, only months after Amphicar was put out of business by regulations, the US Goverment created waivers for small companies (which would have included Amphicar). So had they done that earlier, who knows how many may have been built. They had planned on building 20,000 units 72 on Friday and I was out swimming the Amphi, this AM? 19 degrees and snowing! I love Colo!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about the brakes? Do you have to drive slow with the brakes lightly applied or anything like that to dry them out when you first come out of the water? </div></div> Yup, when coming out of the water, you ride the brakes to heat them up and dry them out. They aren't great to start with, so wet brakes can up the "pucker factor" if you forget until you need them. There are a few lucky people who live on the water. They usually will have trouble with the wheels locking up because they rusted in place w/o being sufficiently dried out. Rocking the car can break 'em loose.

From doing a lookup on the 'net it said; Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Long Beach, Ocean Springs, Orange Grove, Gautier, Bay Saint Louis and D'Iberville; - Mississippi

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">but that is the best comprehensives car sight i've ever seen. </div></div> Thanks Tommy1927! When I started my site, I really wanted to make as much info available as possible. I scanned in the entire maintenance manual and it's online available for all Amphicar club members to view. That took me forever. The manual was translated from German and the spelling and gramatical errors were a-plenty. I also have it on CD with other Amphicar stuff too. There was not much info available, but now that has changed. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> every time i go upstate new york, to skaneatires lake i see an amphicar, never in the water.. though. </div></div> There are a few up there. Most seem to be either in Ca. - Wi - or NY. As always, if anyone finds one or parts I'm interested!

Never use anything on you paint with sillycone. I won't even allow the stuff in my garage because I do some painting. This also includes Armor All. A small amount of that stuf will create really bad fisheye in the finish and is really hard to completly remove. I prefer Maguires products. They have quite a large line of products that seem to always work as described. My car does get wetter than most , so a good wax is required. Remember that when water beads up, that is what creates spots, it is best for the water to "sheet" and run off. It is just my humble opinion. Your mileage may vary!

Thanks for the compliments HVS! I give little if any thought to most anon posts. One thing I have become known for is my graphics. I am currently redesigning my entire website. It is sadly out of date. I have been a graphics artist, website designer and currently I am doing 3D solids modeling mechanical design work.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Do you ever have problems with traction when you're coming out of the water at the boat launches with those? </div></div> Not really. 1st gear is low enough that they are rated for a 45 degree hill. All you need are decent tires and stay away from the mud (hard packed sand is best). I have all season radials on mine and she had done many beach landings and launches.

Good shot! Hopefully this splash video of another Amphicar guy will work. He is famos for "water wheelies" He hits the water at about 35MPH and the front wheels actually come out of the water. The splash is HUGE! Once we have full lakes here in Colorado again, I can do a few wheelies too. Cap'n

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Actually amphicar since your new here we'll cut you some slack, the history of this forum is quite infamous and we will see how you fair now that the honourable HVS is back. Little hint for ya, agree with everything he has to say that will keep you out of trouble...and don't mention the word "redneck" he's still a little sensitive about that one. </div></div> Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I have been around news groups and such (mostly Harley related) for about 14 years now so I feel like I can take it. HVS' reputation has preceeded him. I can have a good "discussion" and still respect the guy.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I could dig up more information if needed. </div></div> I'd be interested in anything you may have on this. I would love to know exactly how it appeared when new and anything else available.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's ironic that a life member of the AACA can't look at the rant and raves section, but Petey Hartmann, who does nothing BUT rant and rave (and doesn't belong to the AACA) can go merrily along. Crazy world, ain't it? </div></div> Even if you are like myself, a bit turned off by Pete's approach, at least he is willing to be upfront and using his name about his views and not hide behind an anon login. I believe that if you want to be heard and for your views to be respected , then you should at least offer up something to validate them. A man is only as good as his name.

Do a search on eBay "+yankee +mirror", I see them regularly there.

Sunday my Bro-in-law and I decided to go for a swim out at a local reservoir in my Amphicar. We were out there for about 30 minutes when I spotted the Sheriff, then an ambulance. I thought I hope who is in trouble is OK. Then 2 State troopers, another 2 Sheriff cars, 2 pumper trucks, another ambulance, 3 or 4 volunteer vehicles, and the dive rescue team! You you have probably guessed, they were there to rescue the car that went into the drink! We headed over to the ramp to let them know we were OK. The poor lady who called in ran away leaving her 8 year old kid behind because she was embarrassed. I made sure the police let her know it is OK and she did the right thing. How could she have known? I was informed my licence had expired in June so Ted had to drive me home.

I'd appreciate that! I collect all articles I can. I just bought a Mechanix Illustrated from June of '61 (same as me) that announces the "New Amphicar" E-mail me and I'll gladly send you my address. MANY THANKS!

I was looking for the article on the Amphi and I could not find anything about it. I did a search and looked through the Beam Excerpts page in the page mentioned above. Did I miss something? Cap'n John

As you might guess, I collect Amphibious vehicle models to go with the Amphicar disease. There are not many out there. I have a couple iterations of an Amphicar, Amphi-Ranger, and a early amphibious wooden steam powered one. And of course anything Amphicar related. I have a couple dealer signs and lots of brochures etc.