Less than perfect strangers...

  • Thread starter Amphipoda@yahoo.com
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A

Amphipoda@yahoo.com

Guest
Less than perfect strangers...

What is it about Amphi that makes people feel
so at home helping themselves to a few gropes
on Amphi's body? I mean really, why is it that
complete strangers feel compelled to touch my
Amphi - with or without permission? Image that
tact with a priceless Lamborgini owner... or on
any restored car for that matter. Most fine auto
owners would expelled profanities, the volume
of emergency vehicle siren decibels, at anyone
leaving a trial of finger prints across their non-
aquatic bonnets. So what's up with Amphi and
the general public here? Take for instance this
guy and his 5 year old daughter. The man gets
on his knees, without saying a thing to Amphi
or I, and just starts spinning the propellers for
his kid. EXCUSE ME!!! This isn't a hands-on
museum exhibit - It's my Amphicar!!! Or how
about this... I go leave Amphi alone for a quick
minute while I answer a call to nature and come
back to find one lady caressing Amphi's fins while
another lady helps herself to the passenger door.
HELLO!!! This isn't a Disneyland ride for the
general public - It's my Amphicar! It doesn't seem
to upset Amphi in the least, but I'm not getting used
to this unique phenomenon. Of course I'm always
really polite and never say what I'm thinking, but
my patience is tested all too often. If my Amphi
were fully restored I doubt I could be as diplomatic
as I have been. So, my amphibious amigos, here is
my question - Is this a California thing or do some
of you get variations of the touchy-feely crowd too?
And why is it only on Amphi? Or do some of you
with other fine autos share this issue?

Amphipoda
`64 Turquoise (fingerprinted to the max)
Insane D-Eggo, CA
 
M

Marc Schlemmer

Guest
Amphipoda....
I agree 100% with your comments. I don't like people fingering Amphi, but
have a very difficult time saying anything....nor have I gotten used to it.
From my travels, it seems that here in the MidWest it is not a problem. I
can think of only one instance that someone has helped themselves to
Amphi.....that was certainly the exception, not the rule. Most people will
walk up, look, ask questions...all the while holding their hands behind
their back like they were at a car show. Usually very courteous.
However, (and I don't mean to offend anyone), but down in Mt. Dora the
problem was terrible. This year seemed worse than last year, but just to
name a few offences......car doors opened and closed, leaning on Amphi,
sitting on rear bumper (yes, sitting on the rear bumper!), reaching in to
the knobs......one person even reached into Rick and Jo's car and picked up
some papers inside and was looking through them! I said something to a few
people, and they acted like I was completely crazy for not wanting them to
help themselves! You know the look....like when someone pulls out in front
of you on a busy road, almost causing a wreck, and then starts yelling at
you from behind their wheel like it was your fault! In the defense of the
Florida Amphi spectators, there were thousands of people there to see the
boat show, and they "may" have thought the Amphicars were part of a
display.....not cars owned by actual private people. (okay, there's still no
excuse, but I'm trying to come up with a reason!)
The only other place that I noticed alittle of the same was in Lake George,
New York at the '98 Swim In. Not as bad as Florida, but not like the good
'ol MidWest!

Marc Schlemmer.....happy to be in Kentucky!
 
A

Al Heath

Guest
>> Amphipoda wrote:
>> If my Amphi were fully restored I doubt I could be as diplomatic as I
have been. So, >> my amphibious amigos, here is my question - Is this a
California thing or do some
>> of you get variations of the touchy-feely crowd too?

We get a mixed crowd. Most are very polite and ask questions from an arms
reach, a few get right up there leanin' over with their big ol' belt
buckles.... My cars aren't show pieces, so we usually don't flinch,
(much). Lord knows I've had to touch up paint here and there and usually
with the various colored lake water residue, fingerprints are the least of
the worries. At the car shows, however, the crowd is much much more
respective. It's just usually the boat ramp. gas station, or grocery store
parking lot crowd.

Al
 
T

tommyintpa@aol.com

Guest
Re: Re: Less than perfect strangers...

<font FACE="arial,helvetica"><font SIZE="2">In a message dated 4/17/01 4:06:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
abennett@alum.mit.edu writes:





<blockquote TYPE="CITE" style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I don't mind. Not many things break down barriers like an Amphi! If
I wanted a "keep back" car, I woulda bought a Lambourghini or
something...</font><font COLOR="#000000" SIZE="3" FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0"></blockquote>

</font><font COLOR="#000000" SIZE="2" FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">

Hi, I agree with you. People just want to hug the Amphi, it may be Amphi's
destiny. Perhaps as Amphi owners we become too accustomed to our amazing
little machines.

Like Dorothy's first glimpse of OZ, to some the site of an Amphi is just
overwhelming. I've come to realize there are just two types of people,
Amphicar owners and the rest, less fortunate humans.

Tommy & Lynne in Tampa Red 67 reborn body, new paint, clear coat oo lah lah

The White 64 is next.</font>
 
A

abennett@alum.mit.edu

Guest
I think it's universal, not just CA. I'm in MA. I've had kids come
up, reach past me (while I'm sitting in the driver's seat) and honk
the horn. Another time I was stopped by a family in the parking lot
outside my office so they could pose with me. I keep it parked where
I can see it during the day and it gets visitors all day long.

I also get waves, smiles, cheers and honks. I get to cut in line
(they all want to see the props in back), cut through people's
front yards (that's how I get into the Lower Mystic Lake) and
we're generally given preferential treatment wherever we go (except by
boaters who won't let me cut in line to get out of the river. I
suspect they're jealous of our ability to just go up and out). :)

I don't mind. Not many things break down barriers like an Amphi! If
I wanted a "keep back" car, I woulda bought a Lambourghini or
something...

-Drew & FLOTSM
'64 Red (scanning sonar on the way)

--- In amphicar-lovers@y..., Amphipoda@y... wrote:
> Less than perfect strangers...
>
> What is it about Amphi that makes people feel
> so at home helping themselves to a few gropes
> on Amphi's body?
...
> So, my amphibious amigos, here is
> my question - Is this a California thing or do some
> of you get variations of the touchy-feely crowd too?
> And why is it only on Amphi? Or do some of you
> with other fine autos share this issue?
>
> Amphipoda
> `64 Turquoise (fingerprinted to the max)
> Insane D-Eggo, CA
 
A

Amphipoda@yahoo.com

Guest
Thanks to those who took a moment to relay
it's not just a California touchy-feely thing.
I was really beginning to wonder about my non-
amphibious co-inhabitants on this mighty left
coast. But then again... California is a proving
ground for all sorts of fruits & nuts - if they can
make it here, they can make it anywhere. As
for my adaptation to the phenomenon of Amphi
Groping, I have come to the conclusion that I
must continue to endure this mixed emotion
hardship, but with a partial solution in mind.
I am purchasing a top of the line auto alarm
with programable voice chip and remote control
activation. Amphi and I have come up with a
few choice alarm voice outputs.

"Ahoy! Please don't touch me until my owner sees if you can swim."
"Please back away from the deadly pirate's Amphicar."
"It's okay to look, but if you touch you'll never get a ride."
"This Amphicar will self destruct in 3 seconds - you better run!"
"Warning: Owner carries a massive water gun, so don't touch anything."
"For Amphibians only! All others must grow gills before entering."
"Ouch! Stop hurting me! Help! Help! Help! Leave me alone, I'm
calling the police!"
"Sure, go ahead and have a good feel. After all my owner is busy
with your wife."
"Have a look over your shoulder... that's my owner and he don't look
too happy."
"Now you've gone and done it! Touched someone's prize possession
without asking."
"Do you always help yourself to other peoples property? Your parents
must very ashamed."
"Smile - you're on Candid Camera! Now everyone knows you lack
respect for private property."

Seriously my fine finned friends, I'm just venting.
I'd never do what I've mentioned above. Nor would
I hook up a Model-T spark coil and deliver 20,000
volts (0 amps) to all metal parts like I did with my
old Triumph TR-4. But it sure feels good to vent.

Amphipoda
`64 Turquoise
Sandy Eggo, CA
 
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