Amphibious Z4 - new project

[enzed4]

Have been thinking that I'm getting a bit bored with the Z4. It's been a great summer down here, and now I'm looking to get a project underway over the winter months. One thing I've always regretted is being too scared to subject my Zed to the interisland ferry to visit the North Island. The prices are outrageous, and you're beholden to their schedule, not to mention you're always going to be 2 inches away from some numpty in their Mazda Bongo van with 28 kids who take turns smacking their doors on your car.
So, what better way than to convert the Z4 to an amphibious vehicle? I could then drive between the islands whenever I feel like it, no queuing, no ticket prices, and the 'wow' factor as I drive up the ramp at the destination and carry on exploring the country.
Their are already places that offer conversion kits:
http://www.aquajeep.com/
Seems reasonable, and reading the technical details, not beyond reach of a good DIY'er.
Only thing seems to be that they recommend a 4WD, but I'm pretty sure other amphi-cars have been 2WD?
Anyone foresee any issues with a conversion?

And lets not forget, a recent amphibious car (the aquada) was designed by a Kiwi - Branston owns one.

 

[Bing]

RWD better - more speedboat-like, sharper cornering




Oh, and happy April Fools where you are :lol:

 

[buzyg]

RWD better - more speedboat-like, sharper cornering

Only if you fit paddles.

 

[john-e89]

Oh, and happy April Fools where you are :lol:

Sharp....never gave it a thought... :roll:

 

[skelters]

Have been thinking that I'm getting a bit bored with the Z4. It's been a great summer down here, and now I'm looking to get a project underway over the winter months. One thing I've always regretted is being too scared to subject my Zed to the interisland ferry to visit the North Island. The prices are outrageous, and you're beholden to their schedule, not to mention you're always going to be 2 inches away from some numpty in their Mazda Bongo van with 28 kids who take turns smacking their doors on your car.
So, what better way than to convert the Z4 to an amphibious vehicle? I could then drive between the islands whenever I feel like it, no queuing, no ticket prices, and the 'wow' factor as I drive up the ramp at the destination and carry on exploring the country.
Their are already places that offer conversion kits:
http://www.aquajeep.com/
Seems reasonable, and reading the technical details, not beyond reach of a good DIY'er.
Only thing seems to be that they recommend a 4WD, but I'm pretty sure other amphi-cars have been 2WD?
Anyone foresee any issues with a conversion?

And lets not forget, a recent amphibious car (the aquada) was designed by a Kiwi - Branston owns one.
aquada1-1.jpg

You Sir are an idiot. oke: oke: oke: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Try it with an E89 or a Coo Pee as it can double as a submarine when it sinks.

 

[rally-chris]

I thought roadsters filled up with water anyway, so doesn’t that sort of make them amphibious already? :rofl:

 

[buzyg]

I thought roadsters filled up with water anyway, so doesn’t that sort of make them amphibious already? :rofl:

If you simply turn a coupe upside down, I reckon it would make a fine hull. Need the marine wood dash of course.

 

[ronk]

Who hasn’t pressed the linky in the post?

 

[enzed4]

You Sir are an idiot. oke: oke: oke: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

All great ideas face ridicule and criticism from those too blinkered to dream of things bigger than themselves.... oke:
You're just jealous you didn't think of it first.

 

[tug]

Just make sure you keep the roof drain holes clear or you could have problems with the motor :lol:

 

[firebobby]

Sounds like a load of rowlocks to me
I didn't press the link Ron

 

[enzed4]

Thanks for the comments and advice. Hope you enjoyed your 1st of April.

 

[Paulr]

I test drove an amphibious car last year, the Dutton Surf. based on the Suzuki Jimny. As a car it made a terrible boat. As a boat it made a terrible car, but it could be used easily as both - and can build one for about £12k. So cool, and want one!