Tote Gote 'Parade Horse' lore

[Richard Trotter]

In the early 60's, Tote Gote had entries in the local 4th of July parade. They had a self-powered float that acted as a 'mountain'. They drove tote gotes over the mountain as it moved down the parade route. In front of the float, there is a tote gote with a horse head. That tote gote was made by Lawrence Thompson who also was its rider.

 

[Richard Trotter]

Lawrence had built 'eccentric' wheels that made the horse bounce or gallop as it drove. These wheels and the head had been stored in the rafters of a local mower shop that had also been a tote gote dealer. I want to see it move again.

 

[Richard Trotter]

I had to find a frame old enough to fit the wheels. I found a model A frame, the first production model. The model A used a fixed 'V-plex' clutch and was very slow. I found a 'Deepco' clutch pair (from a VS model) to make it move a little quicker.

 

[Richard Trotter]

The motor is a 1959 3hp briggs. It had a obsolete '4-post' coil that was bad. I found an 3hp I/C motor with a magnatron coil and updated flywheel I could use. Flojet carb and oil-bath air cleaner will be used. I wish I hadn't painted the motor so I could leave it all original, but it will work.

 

[Havasu Dave]

Very cool piece of history Richard.

 

[Brooklyn Bob]

That was one cool float. That would of been great to see those Gote's going over the mountain!

 

[JKautoFab]

i want to see that horsey buck! hahahaha

 

[turftech 1]

You always find the coolest stuff!

 

[Stangrcr1]

That is a cool piece of history!

Glad you are bringing it back. :thumbsup:

 

[totegotes]

Any update on this Dik? I would love to see a video of you riding this