Hi-

Yes, I knew that someday I would get a steering box brace, but with 6300
miles on the Amphi, what could go wrong?

Well, I was heading for the Scripps Ranch 4th of July parade to meet up with
Amphipoda, Michael and Mark with Captain Ricks's Amphi, and Dave Punaro when
suddenly the whole front end started dancing. It was like Dressage, only I
was going 35 mph. Back to normal once I slowed to about 5-10 mph. Happened
again 3 or 4 times during the 15 mile trip. Good thing it didn't occur
during the short stretch on the Freeway. Funny thing, the car went straight
and smooth, but hit a bump the wrong way and both front wheels are doing a
tap dance.

Parade was fun. Best part was when the accelerator stuck. Not a big deal
because I could put my foot under the gas pedal and get it back to idle.
However, when the engine started to race every time I stepped on the brake,
I knew I was in for a pedal shaft replacement. Thanks to my wife who told
be to "calm down" when I stalled in front of the judges on a hill. Can you
restart your Amphi when the accelerator pedal pushes down along with the
brake pedal, while clutching on a hill, and remembering to press the
emergency bilge blower shut off, and to turn off the bilge pump because
water is squirting all over the parade route?

No swim on the 4th. Bummer! Two hours on Saturday getting a rusted pedal
shaft off the 3 pedals. Mucho thanks to Amphipoda and his fine collection
of percussion instruments and crowbars. Two hours on Tuesday putting
everything back together. Thanks to Gordon imports for their usual "order
today, receive parts tomorrow" policy in Southern California. Nice ride to
my mechanic on quiet surface streets with only 4 or 5 dances along the way.

My welder fixed the steering box bracket weld that broke. Not the first
time he says. And now a brace between the steering box and the brace under
the heater on the right. Sturdy metal. Zero movement of the box. No more
dancing.

Celina, here I come!

-Steve

'64 red (I SWIM 2)
'64 red (AMPHICR)


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