So I got excited and bought a Bazoo?

[Cardamonfrost]

Well, here is some interesting info for the Argo and Bazoo guys.

I was just on the phone with Roy, a very nice gentleman at an Argo Dealer in Ontario, and he said that the story goes like this...

OTACO (Orillia Tudhope Anderson Company) was making AATVs in the early 70s. They had a big order from the Middle East and started making the tubs and drivetrains, they could not provide all the transmissions so they were fabbed out to a company called Argo (actually Ontario Drive and Gear, which relocated to Kitchener and became Argo). Unfortunately, OTACO went bankrupt and Argo was stuck with a bunch of transmissions, so they decided to make their own AATV! So Bazoo was the reason Argo AATVs came into existence. Amazing.

Is it true? who knows! Is it fun to think about, YOU BET!

Thanks for the heads up on Richards Relics. However I have nightmares about shipping to Canada!

I have some more pictures, I hope to get them posted this evening.

C

[plott hound]

they were made in Orillia I think.looks like a cool project for sure.

[Craig_B]

Thanks for the heads up on Richards Relics. However I have nightmares about shipping to Canada!

C

When I spoke with him he said he only charges "actual" shipping costs. Most international sellers hose you on shipping when the reality is the shipping costs are usually pretty low but I have never shipped tires across the border.
If you find or decide where to purchase tires let me know. I need tires too, perhaps a bulk order would drop the price.

[Nick O.]

Well, here is some interesting info for the Argo and Bazoo guys.

I was just on the phone with Roy, a very nice gentleman at an Argo Dealer in Ontario, and he said that the story goes like this...

OTACO (Ontario Tudhope Anderson co?) was making AATVs in the early 70s. They had a big order from the Middle East and started making the tubs and drivetrains, they could not provide all the transmissions so they were fabbed out to a company called Argo (actually Ontario Drive and Gear, which relocated to Kitchener and became Argo). Unfortunately, OTACO went bankrupt and Argo was stuck with a bunch of transmissions, so they decided to make their own AATV! So Bazoo was the reason Argo AATVs came into existence. Amazing.

Is it true? who knows! Is it fun to think about, YOU BET!

That is interesting. Argo made their first production 6x6 in 1967, which means the Bazoo would have to be designed (at the latest) in 1966. That would give Argo about a year to design their machine, build the molds, test, and send them to dealers.

I was under the idea the machine leading to Argo was JB's Avenger. We have the only survivor to my knowledge. It has the same transmission as an early Argo. These two factors push the idea JB never took off, Argo kickstarted their business. I've seen quite a few Bazoo's out there. However, it is odd a Grand Rapids, MI company would outsource their transmissions to Canada in the 1960's.

Maybe someone at Argo has access to the old paperwork and can find out for sure.

[Cardamonfrost]

I suspect Argo Canada was a different company than Argo US. It probably got going several years after Argo MI. Things take a lot longer to get up here .

C

That is interesting. Argo made their first production 6x6 in 1967, which means the Bazoo would have to be designed (at the latest) in 1966. That would give Argo about a year to design their machine, build the molds, test, and send them to dealers.

I was under the idea the machine leading to Argo was JB's Avenger. We have the only survivor to my knowledge. It has the same transmission as an early Argo. These two factors push the idea JB never took off, Argo kickstarted their business. I've seen quite a few Bazoo's out there. However, it is odd a Grand Rapids, MI company would outsource their transmissions to Canada in the 1960's.

Maybe someone at Argo has access to the old paperwork and can find out for sure.

[Cardamonfrost]

Couple new pictures.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Everything is so crooked. I am using lead weights to try to make it straight, but its unlikely to work. Either way, by the time I am done it will hold water again, or better yet, keep it out.

The outside patches are mostly going to get sanded off so it has its smooth factory look. The thicker patches will all be on the inside. There was soooo much delamination that some of the 'small' cracks had to get ground out 1/2 inch, so I am stuffing FB into the cracks, letting them dry and grinding off just to fill, instead of just going over the voids, which is what the previous guy did...

It is taking a while, as I have to wait for everything to dry between set ups. The West System Epoxies, do not like being used under 20 degrees, which we are firmly in now! So the whole project got moved into my garage, which is about 21 degrees. Just making it!

C

[Cardamonfrost]

You never know what you are going to find.. Today I turned up an original Bazoo Brochure and a can of original OTACO Bazoo touch up paint, orange of course.

Also found a place that has the Coil cover I need NOS, still in its little bag from 50 years ago.

Good day.. Lol. I will post some pics when I get it!

C

[Cardamonfrost]

Well here is the product lineup
[IMG][/IMG]

And the outside profile is done. I know it doesn't look like much, but once filled and the inside is done its going to be factory beautiful, aside from some warpage, which I cant do anything about .
[IMG][/IMG]

C

[Bazooo guy]

Nice Find
Did you buy it off Kijiji?
I'm in southern Ontario and have 2 Bazooo tubs.
One is brand new never assembled.
The other I drive around here weekly and it's a blast.
Transmission In mine looks like a snowmobile trans
with reverse. Brakes look like old arctic cat parts.
If the clutches are siezed (like mine was) it won't turn properly.
Adjustment of the clutches is done by adjusting the spanner nuts on the clutch shaft.(set screw in the nuts lock them to the shaft)
When it's set up properly you will have true 6 wheel drive and be amazed at what it will go thru or over.
Check out my gallery pics

[Cardamonfrost]

Hey bazoo guy!

Yes found it on Kijiji. 5 minutes from my house no less.

Did you get the tubs from an auction in Orillia? I know that there was a couple that sold in Nov/Dec 2015...

I have to say, I am very happy about having it back and operational!!

C

[Cardamonfrost]

So you haven't heard anything from me in a while, but still working on it!

My 'regular' work life has been smashing me, and haven't had the time to work on Bazoo as much as I wanted...

Stay Tuned!
C