Boston Bound

LSolheim

Member
Amphi is hooked up and we are about 40 minutes from departure! Just some last minute loading.

Into the Cascade Mountains, today!

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

Texas-Floats

New Member
Keep us up-to-date on your trip! Thanks, -- Warren



From: LSolheim [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:58 AM
To: kodo@kodoskorner.com
Subject: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Boston Bound



Amphi is hooked up and we are about 40 minutes from departure! Just some
last minute loading.

Into the Cascade Mountains, today!

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

LSolheim

Member
Greetings from Missoula, MT! We've had a successful three days so far (about 1/6th of the eastbound leg) through the beautiful North Cascades and Idaho. The three prime travels words are still hanging true: beautiful, warm, and most importantly: uneventful!

Tuesday, Amphi and we enjoyed a swim in the mighty Columbia River just north of the Grand Coulee Dam about 2 hours before a series of powerful thunderstorms rolled through. Lots of flash, thunder, wind and rain! Fortunately we were buttoned up for the night.

Interexstingly, we've experienced "water craft inspections" entering both Idaho and Montana, as they are on the lookout for invasive aquatic "hickhikers". Amphi has been a hit with the inspectors! Although we stayed on the shores of the lovely, huge Lake Pend Oreille last night we didn't put Amphi in as Idaho wanted a $22.00 permit for species protection. It seemed like too much for one night.

Onward and Eastward!
--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

SNOWBIRD

Amphicar Expert
We just got back from Florida.Joanne and I went to Celina with out a Amphicar, and were glad we had no car as water was bad and rough all weekend, but as with all of mid USA HOT! Ron T. joined us and off to our winter house in Florida to do general clean up and planned on lots of Amphi swimming,, Got our chores done and when we went to swim in lakes found it was just too hot. the lake water felt like bath water, the sun glued on us even with a umbrella.Did the Dora canal.. then coming back on land at 95plus the fuel boiled out and we were stranded for a while.So we gave up packed up and came home..Its 52* this morning.. yea.. Saw 104 in Ohio on way back,, Had a Flat on #75 in Georgia. After getting Ron back to his cars at Mike Bs, we headed out 38 and saw lots of distruction from a a storm we missed by a half hour. trees down everywhere,gardens flattened, elc. crews were out in full force very fast.good trip home ,no border hassel,, yea,,,
Next is of to Boston in a few weeks.
will have lots of parts on display there too,,
still have the partial NOS Tangerine interior kit there.
Black or white Tops and Tonna covers.
My clock replacement kit.
I now have a full selection of replacement keys for 5401-20 and 5501-20
for Amphicars.
GORD S>
 
Boy you've all had an interesting few weeks. I'm up here in Thurmont,
MD at Camp Airy. No water, no Amphicar. Just a lot of loud, boy
campers.

Thanks for all of the news. Yes, it's been real hot up here too.
What a summer!!

Can't wait to see all of my friends at the Boston Swim-In. I'll be
coming solo this year as Bob has a gig he wants to play. Lori: GET
THOSE VEGIS READY! Ina
On Aug 6, 2010, at 7:36 AM, SNOWBIRD wrote:


> We just got back from Florida.Joanne and I went to Celina with out a
> Amphicar, and were glad we had no car as water was bad and rough all
> weekend, but as with all of mid USA HOT! Ron T. joined us and off to
> our winter house in Florida to do general clean up and planned on
> lots of Amphi swimming,, Got our chores done and when we went to
> swim in lakes found it was just too hot. the lake water felt like
> bath water, the sun glued on us even with a umbrella.Did the Dora
> canal.. then coming back on land at 95plus the fuel boiled out and
> we were stranded for a while.So we gave up packed up and came
> home..Its 52* this morning.. yea.. Saw 104 in Ohio on way back,, Had
> a Flat on #75 in Georgia. After getting Ron back to his cars at Mike
> Bs, we headed out 38 and saw lots of distruction from a a storm we
> missed by a half hour. trees down everywhere,gardens flattened, elc.
> crews were out in full force very fast.good trip home ,no border
> hassel,, yea,,,
> Next is of to Boston in a few weeks.
> will have lots of parts on display there too,,
> still have the partial NOS Tangerine interior kit there.
> Black or white Tops and Tonna covers.
> My clock replacement kit.
> I now have a full selection of replacement keys for 5401-20 and
> 5501-20
> for Amphicars.
> GORD S>
>
>
 

LSolheim

Member
We've made it to Bismarck, ND w/o issue. very hot but very beautiful. State Route 200 through Idaho and Montana is a very nice 2-lane road. The pictures are of Devil's Lake in the North Cascades and taken from Amphi on Lake Peck (a huge lake) at Fort Peck, Montana. The campsite was free and just yards from the boat launch.
--Larry, Nancy & AMPHI
 

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LSolheim

Member
Slight Setback-

We arrived Minneapolis as planned midday Thursday and all was well. We left the highway and began working through the city toward the sister-in-law's. Sunny (the big thunderstorms didn't come until evening), with the temp registering 102.5.

As we approached East Hennepin Avenue on SE 4th, the Breeze began to sputter and die. Fortunately I was able to pull over into a bus stop at the corner and did not block the major intersection! After about an hour and several attempts to see is she would cool and restart, we called and had a big tow truck dispatched (fortunately we had the foresight to renew the Good Sam travel coverage). The whole rig (w/ Amphi) was taken to a nearby GM mid-size truck service center.
As of this AM the problem has been diagnosed as a fuel pump failure which they will work on today and Monday, delaying our departure by a day or so. Of course we hope that is really the problem - just because fuel pressure is low does not totally convince me that is the total solution. I was expecting a coil failure due to heat in stop and go traffic or perhaps fuel boiling the in the lines. We'll see.
Meanwhile with the new plan in effect (assuming it happens as planed) our arrival at Mr. Wave's will be Wednesday PM instead of Tuesday. We will make up time as we go so the ETA at Taunton is still 8/25!
Ahhh, the adventure of travels!
--Larry, Nancy & Amphi (in absencia)
 

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Ken Chambers

Platinum Subscriber
Larry,

Thanks for keeping us posted on your adventures. This one is a cliff-hanger. Let us know how it works out.

BTW, glad we were able to meet up a few days before your departure. The Amphi ride around your beautiful neighborhood lake was most enjoyable. Many nice lakes in your area of the country. Each time I wish I was in my Amphicar. Back home now. All went well on my driving trip.

All the best to you and Nancy,
Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red


On Aug 13, 2010, at 11:23 AM, LSolheim wrote:


> Slight Setback-
>
> We arrived Minneapolis as planned midday Thursday and all was well. We left the highway and began working through the city toward the sister-in-law's. Sunny (the big thunderstorms didn't come until evening), with the temp registering 102.5.
>
> As we approached East Hennepin Avenue on SE 4th, the Breeze began to sputter and die. Fortunately I was able to pull over into a bus stop at the corner and did not block the major intersection! After about an hour and several attempts to see is she would cool and restart, we called and had a big tow truck dispatched (fortunately we had the foresight to renew the Good Sam travel coverage). The whole rig (w/ Amphi) was taken to a nearby GM mid-size truck service center.
> As of this AM the problem has been diagnosed as a fuel pump failure which they will work on today and Monday, delaying our departure by a day or so. Of course we hope that is really the problem - just because fuel pressure is low does not totally convince me that is the total solution. I was expecting a coil failure due to heat in stop and go traffic or perhaps fuel boiling the in the lines. We'll see.
> Meanwhile with the new plan in effect (assuming it happens as planed) our arrival at Mr. Wave's will be Wednesday PM instead of Tuesday. We will make up time as we go so the ETA at Taunton is still 8/25!
> Ahhh, the adventure of travels!
> --Larry, Nancy & Amphi (in absencia)
 

LSolheim

Member
Hope your Alaska cruise was a success also, Ken. In retrospect I wish I had
sent you back to Seattle via Highway 9 versus the freeway. A very pretty
trip. Thanks for coming by!

--Larry



From: Ken Chambers [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 3:05 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Re: Boston Bound



Larry,

Thanks for keeping us posted on your adventures. This one is a cliff-hanger.
Let us know how it works out.

BTW, glad we were able to meet up a few days before your departure. The
Amphi ride around your beautiful neighborhood lake was most enjoyable. Many
nice lakes in your area of the country. Each time I wish I was in my
Amphicar. Back home now. All went well on my driving trip.

All the best to you and Nancy,
Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red


On Aug 13, 2010, at 11:23 AM, LSolheim wrote:



Quote:



> Slight Setback-
>
> We arrived Minneapolis as planned midday Thursday and all was well. We
left the highway and began working through the city toward the
sister-in-law's. Sunny (the big thunderstorms didn't come until evening),
with the temp registering 102.5.

>
> As we approached East Hennepin Avenue on SE 4th, the Breeze began to
sputter and die. Fortunately I was able to pull over into a bus stop at the
corner and did not block the major intersection! After about an hour and
several attempts to see is she would cool and restart, we called and had a
big tow truck dispatched (fortunately we had the foresight to renew the Good
Sam travel coverage). The whole rig (w/ Amphi) was taken to a nearby GM
mid-size truck service center.

> As of this AM the problem has been diagnosed as a fuel pump failure which
they will work on today and Monday, delaying our departure by a day or so.
Of course we hope that is really the problem - just because fuel pressure is
low does not totally convince me that is the total solution. I was expecting
a coil failure due to heat in stop and go traffic or perhaps fuel boiling
the in the lines. We'll see.

> Meanwhile with the new plan in effect (assuming it happens as planed) our
arrival at Mr. Wave's will be Wednesday PM instead of Tuesday. We will make
up time as we go so the ETA at Taunton is still 8/25!

> Ahhh, the adventure of travels!
> --Larry, Nancy & Amphi (in absencia)
 

Midwest Amphicar

Worlds Largest Amphicar Destination
Larry check the p30 motorhome forum. Airflow is important. I used an Amphicar air return line to induce air into engine area. Then used smog pump to pump cool air in also. When friggin extra hot carb gets "funny" and float sticks closed. I will not post how I "fixed" that on road. Later Dave
 

LSolheim

Member
Thanks, Dave. They tell me engine is throttle-body fuel injected, so the
carb/float issue is not applicable here. In that environment I guess low
fuel pressure COULD contribute to fuel boiling in the line causing our
problem. There is a butterfly-like choke however. No black smoke as she
was sputtering, so I don't think that is involved. I bought some 5/16
rubber fuel line today which I may place over the steel line to act as a
thermal barrier, if the problem isn't resolved after the fuel pump repair.
They say I had 9# pressure versus 45# expected. Of course they could not
duplicate the problem in the AM because she runs great in the am, just like
yesterday (and every day before that). --Larry



From: Midwest Amphicar [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 5:04 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Re: Boston Bound



Larry check the p30 motorhome forum. Airflow is important. I used an
Amphicar air return line to induce air into engine area. Then used smog pump
to pump cool air in also. When friggin extra hot carb gets "funny" and float
sticks closed. I will not post how I "fixed" that on road. Later Dave
 

LSolheim

Member
Monday afternoon and we are still in the "holding pattern".

They say they are awaiting a part, due in Tuesday AM and will (hopefully) have us back on the road by late morning. If so, that puts us into Sublette Wednesday afternoon. We can only stay one night heading eastbound, that will get us back on track for Boston, but there could be an Amphi dropoff on the return leg.

--Larry, Nancy, Amphi, & the Breeze (in absentia)
 

LSolheim

Member
Tuesday, 8/17, 10:40am - We were just notified that the Breeze is repaired, so we're off to pick her up and should be back on the road within the hour! Our sister-in-law very hospitable w/ her extended "guests".

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

LSolheim

Member
Greetings from beautiful Holland, MI (actually Zeeland). Just here for the night before we head to Rochester for the weekend with friends.

We had a great (but short) visit w/ Mr Wave and his lovely bride Margie at Midwest Amphicar where Dave helped w/ ANOTHER motorhome problem. This was a workmanship (bad clearance hole cut for a drain)/fatigue failure of an underfloor cross brace, just behind the kitchen area. The beam had fully cracked and made a teriffic "crashing" sound as we drove over any bumps or unevenness, as it impacted the bottom of the floor. It took a while to find as it seemed a noise that sharp and loud had to becoming from inside of the coach! A bracing, support piece of steel angle welded in place this AM did the trick -- Dave was exceptionally competent and gracious.

The drive through/around Chicago was very, very busy, but without incident.

We are looking forward to our arrival in Tauton and an uneventful remainder of the journey.

We would like to have had more time to investigate this area and the local Amphicar fraternity.

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

SNOWBIRD

Amphicar Expert
I too am packing up the Motorhome and heading out today for the Boston swim in.
A few overnights along the way incl, a ferry trip to Wolf Island to Drop some (Glass) parts off at Dave F.
Gord S.
 
Have a safe trip.* I'm getting so excited about the Boston Swim-In.* I will pack
up early Wed. & try to leave around dinner time Wed.* I hope to avoid a lot of
the NY & CT traffic.* Can't wait to see my Amphi friends.*


Lori:* Get that coffee brewin' & those vegi burgers cookin'.* Ina




________________________________
From: SNOWBIRD <>
To: ribcab@verizon.net
Sent: Sat, August 21, 2010 7:27:05 AM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Re: Boston Bound


I too am packing up the Motorhome and heading out today for the Boston swim in.
A few overnights along the way incl, a ferry trip to Wolf Island to Drop some
(Glass) parts off at Dave F.

Gord S.
 

LSolheim

Member
Our visit in Michigan just happened to coincide with the famous "Dream
Cruise" down Woodward Boulevard, so Amphi joined the 40,000 other vehicles
participating and strutted her stuff. We were even entered into a $1,000.00
radio station contest for best of show, but haven't had any internet access
to see how we did. A really great time!



It turned out that the state and federal highways in NY were just too
congested so we hopped onto the NY and MA turnpikes (FYI it is $56.00 to tow
an Amphicar the long way across NY) and arrived in Taunton, MA Wednesday
afternoon with the odometer indicating 3,725 miles from home. Gerry, Lori
and Ron have put together a great setup including a shower house for the
campers and the party has been non-stop with great camaraderie, terrific
swimming, fine food and plentiful beverages. We had 13 cars for the roasted
pig BBQ and swimming in Long Pond at a beautiful estate on Saturday. (I have
learned even though it may be a large, beautiful lake; in Mass it is still a
pond). Pretty special, especially for us who have come from the far west
coast to realize we are here where our country actually began.



On a personal note, Gerry has been exceptionally helpful sorting out our
structural issues with the Breeze. After a morning swim Monday, he made
contact with a local portable welder and repairs were made to some very
serious fatigue cracks. Of course if we weren't repaired he and Lori may
have been concerned that we would become permanent, backyard residents! We
are feeling confident as we head onwards toward Ohio, Branson, and home
(with a possible stop at the Chicago & Holland swim-ins).



Have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday!



--Larry, Nancy & Amphi



From: LSolheim [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 7:34 PM
To: lrsnpark@gmail.com
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Re: Boston Bound



Greetings from beautiful Holland, MI (actually Zeeland). Just here for the
night before we head to Rochester for the weekend with friends.

We had a great (but short) visit w/ Mr Wave and his lovely bride Margie at
Midwest Amphicar where Dave helped w/ ANOTHER motorhome problem. This was a
workmanship (bad clearance hole cut for a drain)/fatigue failure of an
underfloor cross brace, just behind the kitchen area. The beam had fully
cracked and made a teriffic "crashing" sound as we drove over any bumps or
unevenness, as it impacted the bottom of the floor. It took a while to find
as it seemed a noise that sharp and loud had to becoming from inside of the
coach! A bracing, support piece of steel angle welded in place this AM did
the trick -- Dave was exceptionally competent and gracious.

The drive through/around Chicago was very, very busy, but without incident.

We are looking forward to our arrival in Tauton and an uneventful remainder
of the journey.

We would like to have had more time to investigate this area and the local
Amphicar fraternity.

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 

LSolheim

Member
We are on day 2 of three here in Branson. Seeing some very good shows, eating some (too much) good food and swimming in the lake (river) and harrassing the Duck Tours, a bit. Great fun, all-in-all.

We had a very pleasant two nights with Doug & Phyllis Parsons including a georgeous late night swim on Cesear Lake, and of course even MORE good food.

After one more show we leave Branson tomorrow heading toward Holland and their swim-in this weekend.

Life is pretty darned good!

--Larry, Nancy & Amphi
 
Randy, Yes, you can.* I am doing another float test this week, maybe Thur night
at Ceasers creek, come on down.


Larry




________________________________
From: BuckeyeFloater <>
To: larrydepasquale@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, September 7, 2010 6:05:04 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20847] Re: Boston Bound


I am so envious...Maybe someday I will be able to do this.
 
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