--- In amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com, "break_free05"
<break_free@h...> wrote:
> I am interested in buying an amphicar, but I don't know what the
> costs involved are (price range of cars) or how much work there is
> involved. I would appreciate it if someone could let me know a
> little bit more about amphicars.
"Break Free",
This is a tough question to answer. These cars prices can vary
greatly. What you should think about is
1 - What your budget is. This will largly determine what condition
you will be limited to.
2 - How much work will you do yourself? This can reduce the costs
greatly
3 - Most parts are available, but can be costly.
A general rule of fin ... ummm Thumb is;
(Of course, this is only my opinion and there are deals out there)
$0 - $4000 - Parts car or real "Fixer upper" (nothing is beyond
restoration, right Dave? (see
http://www.amphicar.com/restore.htm)
$4000 - $10000 - Mostly complete car, may not run, does not swim
$10000 - $15000 - Complete car, runner, non-swimmer
$15000+ - Driver, swimmer may not be pretty
$20000+ - Should be very presentable, swimmer, driver (not the same
as a "runner")
$35000 - $55000 - Show car, concourse resto
The car floats like well, a boat. It is only a matter of physics. If
you displace more water (in weight) than the vehicle weighs, it will
float no matter what it is made of.
There are dual seals on anything that protrudes through the hull such
as doors, hood and engine cover. Think of it as a bath tub with an
engine. The axels (for the wheels) protrude through the side and the
prop protrude through the back. There are 2 independant transmissions
(not to be confused with a PTO), one for the land and one for the
water, driven by a single 4 cylinder engine.
> I would also like to know how
> exactly the car floats and how likely it is to get water inside
> it... thanks.
Yes, you do get water inside. Usually when hitting the bottom of the
ramp at 30 MPH! Seriously, most leak some, but it is not enough to be
concerned about. In rough waters, simply put the top and windows up.
There is a bilge pump for any water shipped. If you pay attention
during the resto, it will be no problem. Some of our members have
cars that don't leak at all.
The poor Amphicar was given bad press and in-accurate info. They are
VERY sea worthy as the many stories can attest to. English channel in
20 foot seas, 340 miles down the Yukon and our own Hugh Gordon who
took his out to Catalina Island (27 miles I believe).
I hope you find an Amphicar soon! Be forewarned, once you by one, it
is a terminal affliction. There is no known cure, and you will never
look at a body of water the same again. Check out
www.amphicar.com
for more info and some classifieds.
Cap'n John
