What Mini Bike Is This Please, Help Identify!
- Thread starter rgoss_10
- Start date
Ralph Bonham had designed the Tote Gote. Bert Bonham (Ralph's uncle) and his son Stan designed a scooter they called the 'Power Pony'. By the time production started at 'Mickelson Mfg', the name had been changed to the 'Hillbilly', a 2 speed trail scooter. Later production was moved to the Circle Corp and the scooters name was changed to Sherpa. Many other changes occurred as the Sherpa evolved.
Wow, I was going to find the original paint color, media blast to remove the very little rust, epoxy coat to preserve, add back the original color, reupholster the seating to the original with the material, and enjoy. Do you feel that doing this would affect the value, even though I am doing as close as possible, period-correct era Power Pony?
I don't know, really. But as Mr. Trotter's narrative explains, it was the first of three runs, and the early product of an inter-family competition involving the legendary tote-goat. Moreover the first picture @Richard Trotter posted looks like the same red as yours. I'm thinking that could be a real hit at the next tote-goat meet-up. Especially if you only gently cleaned it up and got it running. But by all means, recover the seat to look more original. But what do I know? These little ponies could be a dime a dozen?
I truly appreciate you and everyone's answers on this. The first picture is the same one I have. The interesting thing I did do this evening. I wrote back to the gentleman from whom I got it from. I asked, 'Where Did You Find This?' His response, "A Savage Yard!" Talk about a save! Now I have it and will get the proper love it truly needs in life! I want this period as correct as possible.
There is no two-speed transmission with this one. Just an array of a large pulley and sprockets. Starting from the engine. It has a clutch with a belt-driven pulley going to another pulley under the seat. A shaft supported by greasable bearing pillow blocks, which transfers power to the opposite side that has a chain/sprocket setup that powers the rear wheel. Its not for speed by my determination due to the size of both pulley and sprockets. Only designed for more torque. In my best guess, for pulling or going up a steep hill. As Ralph Trooter shared, "Bert Bonham (Ralph's uncle) and his son Stan designed a scooter they called the "Power Pony." An answer to walking up hills in Utah and a screen mesh to keep forestry debris away from moving parts. Now, the question I have is, when was this produced, 1950s early 1960s era? How many were in circulation or manufactered? I havent seen a plate or a stamping number on the frame as of present but really havent looked as of yet. If there was, maybe someone here can tell me where to look. I appreciate all of you here and again, thank you all! Also, I am uploading more pictures.
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