Good article here...
https://www.mouseplanet.com/11656/The_Story_Behind_the_Disney_Springs_Amphicars
https://www.mouseplanet.com/11656/The_Story_Behind_the_Disney_Springs_Amphicars
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Story behind the Disney Amphicars
- Thread starter mike_israel
- Start date
Ken Chambers
Platinum Subscriber
Fun article. Thanks for sharing.
inaintheboro
Member
What a great read this article is! So glad John Bevins was mentioned but what about all the other Amphicar restorers? Too bad they're not mentioned also.
mschlem
Amphicar Expert & Former IAOC President
Should we "normal" users of Amphicars be concerned that Disney will be running through rare parts? It seems a shame if Disney is using up parts (for their business venture) that would take them away from everyday folks in the future.
I'm not saying those with parts shouldn't sell to Disney, I'm just asking if having Disney running Amphicars day in and day out creates a problem for the rest of us.
That leads to a broader question.....Is Disney good or bad for the Amphicar community?
I've always kinda thought that it was a bit demeaning to Amphi.
What do you all think?
Marc.
I'm not saying those with parts shouldn't sell to Disney, I'm just asking if having Disney running Amphicars day in and day out creates a problem for the rest of us.
That leads to a broader question.....Is Disney good or bad for the Amphicar community?
I've always kinda thought that it was a bit demeaning to Amphi.
What do you all think?
Marc.
lelms
Gold Subscriber
I try to keep an open mind, but I keep having the feeling that our Amphis have been turned into a midway carnival attraction, next to the bumper cars and the freak show. I'd be interested in possibly having access to some of the 3200 new and improved parts.
Its a good question. On the one hand, if Disney drives an increase in manufacture of repro parts, and those become available to others, it could be a good thing. Looks like they have been pretty creative in creating upgrades and substitutions but I do not think any of that has made its way to other Amphi owners. If they are simply hoarding and depleting unobtanium parts then the Amphi community will be hurt as a whole. Should they just buy out the entire inventory of Gordon Imports, we will all be left with museum pieces.
In reality, there is already a lot of parts hoarding that has occurred. I recall some guy in (in think MA) who has a warehouse of Amphis literally stacked up on giant shelves. A number of folks have multiple NOS transmissions stashed under their beds. On the other hand, folks like Gord (and others) have made new supplies available and have made he investment in creating new stuff. Time will tell but the future remains uncertain.
canitfloat
Member
Congradulations Jon, great place for a honeymoon!
canitfloat
Member
Count all the entries on the clubs VIN listing. Well over 500. Many have been parted and don't exist, but I would guess 500 is closer to actual cars left
Cameron in UK
Member
Actually the Disney people don't really use any original Amphicar parts to maintain their cars. They change doors seals every few weeks and use generic rubber. The props are made of alloy, a generic inexpensive boat type, they are a little smaller than the originals but work OK. Original props are hard to find and it's said they had some issues with the plastic reproduction ones that are available. The cars aren't really used on the road so brakes and running gear last well. The engines are closer to stock than you would expect, they tried a number of different modifications but in many areas have since reverted back, simple is reliable. I reckon that what they do is positive for all of us - I like the fact a generation that thinks everybody lived in caves before the iphone and social media is learning that cool stuff happened 50 years ago. Be great if they could have those other late 60s European technologies there, hovercraft and supersonic passenger flight !
DougFromBaltimore
Member
I visited the Disney Springs Boathouse yesterday. I took these photos of their cars. You can see the mod’s are quite extensive. They run these cars many times per day, so the modified are for reliability, continuous use, and to accommodate passengers safely. There are quite a few differences between individual Amphicars, but here are some common changes.
In the engine compartment:
* New radiator, shroud, and twin electric fans.
* Alternator.
* Larger muffler, with heat insulation.
* Quite a few electrical changes, with new relays.
* An additional bilge pump, with tubing to make pumped water spray up, so it’s visible.
* A fire suppression system.
Body/exterior:
* Doors replaced with fiberglass reproductions, with no door glass.
* Fiberglass hoods.
* Aluminum boat props, instead of our original plastic. There are quite a few weeds in their lake, and they day there were breaking prop blades.
Interior:
* Convertible top removed, to give more rear seat space, and accommodate life jackets.
* Some have added instruments, like voltmeters and cylinder head temp gauges.
* Many have radios removed.
Likely many other changes, too.
They run a nice operation. It's quite popular.
Doug
In the engine compartment:
* New radiator, shroud, and twin electric fans.
* Alternator.
* Larger muffler, with heat insulation.
* Quite a few electrical changes, with new relays.
* An additional bilge pump, with tubing to make pumped water spray up, so it’s visible.
* A fire suppression system.
Body/exterior:
* Doors replaced with fiberglass reproductions, with no door glass.
* Fiberglass hoods.
* Aluminum boat props, instead of our original plastic. There are quite a few weeds in their lake, and they day there were breaking prop blades.
Interior:
* Convertible top removed, to give more rear seat space, and accommodate life jackets.
* Some have added instruments, like voltmeters and cylinder head temp gauges.
* Many have radios removed.
Likely many other changes, too.
They run a nice operation. It's quite popular.
Doug
Attachments
Mark Richardson
Member
Great update Doug!
Those rubber duck amphis like in the windshield of the green car in the picture are for sale on the Boathouse website for $17.99.
Looks like they have red, ivory & green.
www.theboathouseboatique.com
Those rubber duck amphis like in the windshield of the green car in the picture are for sale on the Boathouse website for $17.99.
Looks like they have red, ivory & green.
CD 2018 Amphiduck Regatta Red
What a great memoir from the BOATHOUSE. An adorable Rubber Duck in an Amphicar that will always float upright and is completely sealed to remain clean and dry.
www.theboathouseboatique.com
John Howland
Member
StephenChu
New Member
Aren't there alligators in Disney's Amphicar Lake?
John Howland
Member
The biggest concern regarding parts being used up, would have to be transmission spares! Thats something that can turn all of our cars into yard art! Gators…All they are saying is that over 200 have been removed from Disney property since 2016. FWC, Florida’s wildlife commission says there are 1.3 million across all 67 counties, you do the math.
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StephenChu
New Member
So grateful for John Howland's information on the number of alligators. I have been in an Amphicar in the water since November 17, 1967. I just would not enjoy being in Disney's Amphicar Lake with alligators. I used to see Amphicars at the NY World's Fair in 1965. I had every color but blue. The guy across Lake Shafer in 1966 had 2 blue ones. We all blew oil cooler hoses and switched to hydraulic lines.
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