Australian Amphibian hits the East Coast ! - Welcome to The Amphicar Lovers Digest / Forum

#1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2001, 06:39 PM

Hello all , well thanks to the AmphiLovers digest I've managed to keep in touch , as well as the handy info and technical tips it's often very entertaining !
My Amphi re-build Downunder is about to start in January - and yes it's going to be a big job. The car was well maintained back in the 60's and last registered on the road in 1972. Although it's whole ( or should I say hole ! ) swimming life was around salt water theunder floor& bilge area is in amazingly good solid condition - I can thank Rod Radford , the original owner for that , he obviously spent a lot of time & money rustproofing & maintaining the hull area.
The area that has obviously suffered a bit is door skins , sills and the hoods. The other area that is a bit peppered with rust is the bilge area above the props , my theory on this is beach sand abrasion from the props spinning !
I've got a guy lined up to do the under body repairs , I've seen his work and it's good. We intend making up a frame to rotate the complete shell around 360 deg.
The car , like many , has only done 3000 miles and I'm fortunate to have all the parts of a second car ( except the body ) The mechanicals hopefully won't pose too many problems , I'll do that part myself once the hull is in order and painted - hopefully about March - April.
I'm chasing a few spares&some of you may have seen my initial list in the club Wanted section.
I've decided the best planis to visit the U.S.and meet up with some fellow Amphibians! ( I know I should have come over to Celina this year , but it wasn't possible ) I'm leaving home here next Monday and will be travelling via L.A. to visit Hugh , then onto Norfolk VA to collect my Sister's Dodge Caravan. I'm certainly off northward to catch up with Bilgey - he's promised episode 2 of the X Filesout on the Occoquan R. Apparently he's lined up a drinking session with James FenimoreCooperaround the bar in an old "Last of the Mohicans' " style pub !
I'm interested to know if he's lined up more of those Lap Dances with the local fish - no need for a fishing rod around there , they are so excited to see an Amphi overflowing with grinning, web toed fellows, they just jump in to be part of the fun ! Should I bring my frying pan Bilgey ?
Anyhow I'll be travelling around VA , PA , NY and possibly up to the Toronto area. I'd like to catch up with a few fellow Amphibians if possible. Anyone got a spare front & rear hood they'd be prepared to sell ? It doesn't have to be perfect - just fixable.
I can be contacted up until Mon 29/10 at twirlees@powerup.com.au or after that in Norfolk VA at WWitt91865@aol.com in November - or of course through Bilgey in Washington.
I've got a great 4 min video of my red 64 Amphi cruising Sydney & environs taken back in 1964 & I'll see that the club archives get a copy.
Rowan Hatfield - Red '64(RHD) undergoing restoration.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
GORDON IMPORTS INC.. The world's largest source of Amphicar parts and accessories. Visit our new website today.