1973 Gotcha Build

[curbdog17]

So I found a 1973 Gotcha out behind a guys shed.

It looks to be in pretty bad shape, But I would like to make it usable again. So I am going to try and fix it up and use it. I not going to try and restore it but just make it functional.

I brought it home yesterday and put it in the garage today.
There is more rust that I thought.


It sat so long that one of the rims has a hole rusted through it.

I pulled the motor out and need to try and ID it.

Some type of Briggs motor (not original)

We will see how things go from here

[trebmaster]

looks like a cool project keep us up on how its going

[jerseybigfoot]

Very nice body. Looks like it has potential. it should run well with an 8hp Briggs. These small machines worked very well. Good traction and ground clearance, they even swam well in the water. They take the same parts as the larger 6 wheel Scramblers.

[curbdog17]

I put the Gotcha up on jack stands and removed the wheels today

Getting the hubs off is a PITA. It was a hard time just getting the pins out and after an hr. of working on removing the hub I gave up for the day.

Then I tried to get the motor started(I hope you like my gas tank) but I have no spark and all the electrical looks shot.

[curbdog17]

Gotcha/Scambler Axles and hubs?

Do these hubs and axles have splines? And is the end of the hub open to the axle shaft? I have been beating on these for an hr. I used heat and PB blaster. Any tips or tricks to remove these?

[racerone3]

no splines, just many years of rust. not sure if the end is open or not, but you should be able to see if it is. if not you can have a machinist open up a hole in the end of the hub so you can try using a press to remove them. be careful, and put a bucket of sand under the press to catch the axle. i had about 10,000 pounds of pressure on one when it let loose, and the axle took out a pretty good sized chunk of concrete when it hit the floor.

you can also try using 2 BIG pipe wrenches to twist the hub on the shaft. sometimes it's easier to break them loose that way, then knock them out

[curbdog17]

Thanks racerone3.
I was thinking about doing the pipe wrench thing, Thats why I asked about the splines. I will give this a try

[Mike]

You may have to use a torch to heat up the hubs or axle. You may also have to try a slide hammer. You can get an adapter for the end of the slide hammer that will attach to your studs with your lug nuts to give you something solid to pull against.

[curbdog17]

You may have to use a torch to heat up the hubs or axle. You may also have to try a slide hammer. You can get an adapter for the end of the slide hammer that will attach to your studs with your lug nuts to give you something solid to pull against.

Good call on the slide Hammer. Thanks

[LarryW]

If all else fails, I would cut a slit down the tub part of the hub with a cut off wheel. It comes off easier and I have used them with the slit with no problems. I almost wonder if slitting them helps the bolt squeeze the tube on the axle.

[curbdog17]

If all else fails, I would cut a slit down the tub part of the hub with a cut off wheel. It comes off easier and I have used them with the slit with no problems. I almost wonder if slitting them helps the bolt squeeze the tube on the axle.

Mine did not have bolts in it it had roll pins. I was wondering about using bolts, I guess that answers that question.
I think cutting them will be a last resort.

[LarryW]

Mine also had the pins. I went to bolts too.

[curbdog17]

So the rust is really on there good.
I tried the pipe wrench method of hub removal and...........................


LOL HEAVY DUTY

Well I guess I need a new pipe wrench.

[LarryW]

wow, I have never seen that happen. That sucks.

[curbdog17]

wow, I have never seen that happen. That sucks.

I hade a 4ft pipe on the end of it for leverage. They are realy rusted on. But I have not given up.