What Mini Bike Is This Please, Help Identify!

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rgoss_10

Member
#23
#23
One thing I will need to repair which was removed for some odd reason is the tubes on the upper part of the frame running from the rear to center. I'm a welder so that won't be an issue and will correct. However, in this example that you show, I'm curious of the rear brakes system. Is there a close up of what was used for the rear brake setup? Mine has a band clutch type and not a drum brake type. I appreciate you highly!
 
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Richard Trotter

Richard Trotter

#25
#25
It has been very hard to find information on this Power Pony. I have only found a few photos. Some show the jackshaft has internal bearings mounted in a tube above the fender. This is similar to the internal bearings used in later Tote Gotes. Timken B1212 bearings in a 1" inside diameter tube, 3/4" shaft. Belt sheave and sprocket on one side and v-belt sheave on the other end, I assume the v-belt sheave is for a brake band. I don't know how much has been altered from original.
marketplace powerpony 002.jpg
 
R

rgoss_10

Member
#26
#26
Richard Trotter said:
It has been very hard to find information on this Power Pony. I have only found a few photos. Some show the jackshaft has internal bearings mounted in a tube above the fender. This is similar to the internal bearings used in later Tote Gotes. Timken B1212 bearings in a 1" inside diameter tube, 3/4" shaft. Belt sheave and sprocket on one side and v-belt sheave on the other end, I assume the v-belt sheave is for a brake band. I don't know how much has been altered from original.

Yes, you are correct about finding anything on a Power Pony. This leads me to believe that there weren't many built. As for the driveline set-up. Mine, by appearance, is similar, except mine has a brake band in a different location. Maybe the company was either making changes to improve their design or possibly using whatever was available then. In any case, thank you very much for the photo. The tubes were cut out of mine, and I believe that when the person(s) were attempting work, they removed the tubing for easier access. I'm finding the tubing and reinstalling, but with a modification. Having a way to remove and reinstall during maintenance.
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Minimichael

Minimichael

Well-Known Member
#28
#28
Looking back at your original pics, I wanted to ask what engine came with your power pony? Looks like a fun restoration no matter how you go forward. Congrats
 
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rgoss_10

Member
#29
#29
Hi everyone,

I'm starting the restoration project in pieces. I will upload the progress over time. I've started with the engine, and here is where I'm at. I hope you will enjoy the ride. I've gone through the engine for a rebuild, and sorry for not showing that process. I figured that was boring to show me rebuilding an old Briggs. LOL! Everything looked great and was fine internally, meaning no worn-out parts. The engine came from an old log splitter. So, how many times does a person use a log splitter? LOL! I'm not the best at taking photos during that boring process. Please don't hate me. I've built many engines and didn't want to bore anyone, just the end results. I made the color of the cylinder's flathead silver to make it stand out. I thought it was a nice touch when everything comes together. I will update as progress comes. I want to thank all of you, and especially Richard Trotter, for all your help! You all are great people here in the old historical mini bikes.
 

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R

rgoss_10

Member
#30
#30
Minimichael said:
Looking back at your original pics, I wanted to ask what engine came with your power pony? Looks like a fun restoration no matter how you go forward. Congrats
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It was a Briggs, and I believe it's a 3 hp.? The shroud is missing and have no idea of what model year it is or h.p. Once I'm finished with the project, I will measure the bore size and find out what h.p. the engine is.
 
R

rgoss_10

Member
#36
#36
Richard Trotter said:
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.
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Richard, is it possible in your huge knowledge of when this Power Pony was manufactured? 1950s ish? I am still at work with the engine awaiting a new head gasket, update ignition system with a original replacement Briggs and Stratton magneto coil part# 39881 to eliminate points, media clean the cooling side cover, flywheel and a few other parts for paint and then will fire the engine up. Also, I want to get the remake of the original stickers on the side cover displaying Briggs and Stratton and the oil type needed during change. Then, will move onto the frame and will post the progression. I like a flawless execution and Im excited...
Besides knowing if you can date code this Power Pony. Can I find an emblem as you have shown on another scooter like this stating, "POWER PONY?" Just like to bring back the scooter as close as possible back to factory original. I really appreciate you and this website!
 
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R

rgoss_10

Member
#40
#40
Richard Trotter said:
Sorry, I can't date the Power Pony for sure. I imagine it wasn't until they saw there was a market for the Tote Gote, around 1961-62.
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Thats very interesting, so this Power Pony I have as you have stated, "I imagine it wasn't until they saw a market for a Tote Goat" was considered, a limited run. A rare find that I have if correct. I surely haven't seen another one on the internet short of the one you displayed in an earlier explanation of the history of the company. I was thinking possibly 1959 60ish era. In any case, I'm really excited tinker with the scooter. I'm having electrical service setup in my garage and have both a tig and mig welders. Once I get setup in my garage. Its game on!
 
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